Edin Dzeko's first Premier League goal allowed Manchester City to take control of the battle for a place in next season's Champions League and plunge Blackburn Rovers deeper into relegation trouble.

Dzeko, who has struggled to make an impact since his £27m move from Wolfsburg in January, made the decisive contribution with the late winner three minutes after coming on as substitute to secure a priceless three points for Roberto Mancini's FA Cup finalists.

The Bosnian's goal saw City establish a firm grip on fourth place and open up a four-point gap on closest rivals Tottenham after a performance that relied more on resilience than sparkle at Ewood Park.

Struggling Blackburn had opportunities to take a point and showed commendable spirit despite their lowly league position, but they paid the price for missed chances and now stand only one point clear of the relegation places with four games remaining.

After Fernando Torres ended his barren scoring sequence since his £50m move from Liverpool to Chelsea with a goal against West Ham United on Saturday, Dzeko chose the perfect moment to break his own duck and put daylight between City and Spurs.

Mancini reacted to the dismal defeat at Liverpool a fortnight ago by promising City would reach the FA Cup final and the Champions League. He has now moved a long way towards fulfilling those pledges with victory against Manchester United in the Wembley semi-final, followed by a win that could prove vitally important as they attempt to reach Europe's elite tournament.

The Italian saw no reason to change the side that was so impressive in reaching Wembley again - and that show of faith appeared fully justified by a blistering start.

David Silva, who was dictating affairs in those early exchanges, saw a left-footed shot ricochet across the face of goal after striking an upright and Michel Salgado rescued Blackburn with a clearance off the line from Gareth Barry's flicked header.

Slowly but surely, however, Blackburn managed to stem the tide and ended the half with a measure of control that looked highly unlikely when they were penned in their own territory for the first 20 minutes.

And they had a highly presentable penalty appeal rejected by referee Andre Marriner when Jason Roberts appeared to be fouled by City captain Vincent Kompany as they finally ventured into City's half.

Phil Jones and the giant figure of Christopher Samba were symbols of Rovers' recovery. And after Jones won a corner, Samba rose highest to head inches wide as suddenly it was City's turn to feel the pressure.

City attempted to regain that earlier control in the opening moments after the interval when Silva's cross found Yaya Toure at the far post and his header was turned over the top by Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson.

Blackburn had also gained confidence from their improvement and the stretching Jermaine Jones was frustrated to only find the side-netting after Roberts touched on Salgado's cross. Silva was also fortunate to get in the way of a thunderous drive from Samba as both sides fought to break the deadlock.

Mancini made the decisive change when he sent on Dzeko with 18 minutes left - and the striker finally started to repay some of the vast fee paid to Wolfsburg.

Phil Jones could only deflect Silva's shot into Dzeko's path 12 yards out and he demonstrated touch and composure before firing a finish high past Robinson to send City's massed ranks of fans into ecstasy.

Blackburn refused to give up the fight and had their chances to claim a point in a frantic closing spell. Phil Jones should have done better than head over the top from substitute Ruben Rochina's cross and in the closing seconds Hart did well to dive to his right to save Martin Olsson's long-range free-kick.

And Steve Kean's side, much to City's relief and the frustration of Ewood Park, had penalty appeals ignored once more by referee Marriner in injury time when substitute Nikola Kalinic went down under challenge from Barry.

City showed resilience to close out the victory and the celebrations from fans and players at the final whistle illustrated theimportance of these three points.

Date of match:
Monday, 25 April 2011

Results:
{H} Blackburn (0): -
{A} Manchester City (1): Dzeko 75