Sergio Aguero marked his comeback with a goal as free-scoring Manchester City took their season’s tally to 99 with a comprehensive win over Blackburn.
Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko also struck twice as City eased to an ultimately comfortable victory in their FA Cup third-round replay at the Etihad Stadium.
Aguero, back in action after an eight-game absence with a calf injury, scored within a minute of coming on for Negredo, whose goal at the end of the first half changed the course of the game.
The game lacked the intensity of recent Premier League games but chances were still created by both sides in what proved an evenly-contested first half.
Dzeko spurned a number of them, first heading over the bar in the second minute and then missing the target again moments later after combining with Negredo.
Blackburn were lacking star striker Jordan Rhodes but the Championship side were determined to make a fight of it and in Tom Cairney they had one of the game’s most influential players.
City grabbed the lead just before half-time through Negredo. It came after a swift counter- attack by the hosts, with Fernandinho combining with Navas before clipping in a cross for Negredo to head home.
Any thoughts the game might continue to follow the same script as the last encounter were dispelled by City’s start to the second half.
Negredo raced onto a fine ball from newly introduced substitute Aleksandar Kolarov to clip a shot over the advancing Simon Eastwood. Blackburn, to their credit, responded positively and substitute Josh King twice went close.
But Dzeko made it 3-0 after 67 minutes with a quick first-time finish after a good run and cut-back by Jesus Navas. That as good as made the result safe and Manuel Pellegrini decided to send on Aguero for his comeback.
The Argentinian had been on the field just 50 seconds when the ball fell to him in the box and two touches later was in the back of the net.
Six minutes later City were at it again as Dzeko swept home from another good Navas cross to set up a fourth-round date with Watford.
