Intro:

Manchester City took another step towards the Premier League title on Saturday (February 25) when they brushed aside Blackburn Rovers 3-0 for their 18th successive home league win.

That moved Roberto Mancini's men five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.

Mario Balotelli opened the scoring with half an hour gone at the Etihad Stadium - Sergio Aguero added City's second shortly after halftime.

Edin Dzeko headed a third in the 81st minute.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English): David Platt, Manchester City first-team coach:

"Yeah, I think in terms of possession you saw that we controlled the game. We knew we had to get off to a good start in terms of rhythm, taking the game to them, try to create chances, not to let them settle into their game plan really, which was to make it difficult for us and get players behind the ball. And we did that. We created chances and you felt as though the goal was coming."

SOUNDBITE (English): David Platt, Manchester City first-team coach:

"Do you know what we ... I think there is a belief that we can go into football matches and win games. Because that is what we have done all season. For two-thirds of the season that is what we have done and that is what has got us where we are. So it follows that you have to continue that.

You have to show a consistency for the final third of the season and if you do so, you will be there or thereabouts. But it is just important to concentrate on our own games really."

SOUNDBITE (English): Steve Kean, Blackburn Rovers manager:

"But, you know the games that we have got coming up now, we are going to play against (Aston) Villa. And we have got Bolton, we have got Wigan. You have got games coming up with teams around us and it's going to be a massive month for us. From our point of view, we have got no injuries today and we have got a couple of players coming back, Gael Givet and Jason Lowe from suspension, shortly. So it is fingers crossed lads come back from international duty fresh and fit to play. And we are disappointed today, but we will move on."