Rovers' first half goal blitz was enough to see them secure their Premier League safety on a dramatic final day.

Goals from Jason Roberts, Brett Emerton and Junior Hoilett put Steve Kean's in command at Molineux as the home side were blown away by a rampant Rovers.

With relegation looking a distinct possibility the home side hit back in the second half, Jamie O'Hara reducing arrears before Stephen Hunt's curler was enough to secure their status also.

 For the first time in a long time, manager Steve Kean was able to name an unchanged starting eleven after Junior Hoilett, Chris Samba and Jermaine Jones all recovered from knocks picked up in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

That familiarity paid dividends as Rovers started like a house on fire, Steven Nzonzi, Jermaine Jones and Junior Hoilett all going close inside the first ten minutes.

It was the home side who were showing the nerves from the situation, Paul Robinson having little to do in the opening period.

The only surprise was that it took until 23 minutes for Rovers to take the lead. Brett Emerton making use of the space afforded to him to spread play wide to Junior Hoilett, he teed up Michel Salgado for the shot and Jason Roberts showed awareness to divert the ball home for his second in three outings.

Rovers continued to force the pace, Samba again winning a high ball into the box but Gael Givet couldn't get a clean connection.

Seven minutes before the break Rovers doubled their advantage with a strike of high quality. Paul Robinson's long ball forward was cleared by Jody Craddock only as far as Brett Emerton, the Australian hitting a stunning right foot volley that flew into the top corner.

Two minutes later and Rovers were inches away from making it three. Twisting and turning Junior Hoilett advanced into the area, but his effort across goal was tipped just past the post by Wayne Hennessey.

But two minutes into added on time at the end of the half the 3000 Rovers fans were in dreamland. Again Paul Robinson sent the ball long, Jason Roberts flicked onto Hoilett and he cut inside Elokobi to lash the ball home to make it 3-0 at the break.

Scorelines elsewhere meant that Wolves were in the bottom three at the start of the second half, Mick McCarthy sending on Sylvain Ebanks-Blake for Michael Mancienne. A striker for a defender.

Almost immediately Wolves had a greater threat, Stephen Hunt heading over Matt Jarvis' centre, whilst Ebanks-Blake fired over when well placed.

But Rovers weren't resting on their laurels, on 56 Jason Roberts could have grabbed his second of the afternoon, latching onto Brett Emerton's cross to turn past Foley but his effort was weak and easily saved.

Then on the hour mark Jason Roberts had strong claims for a penalty when he was brought down in the area by Ward. Howard Webb was unmoved, had the scoreline been 0-0 he may have had a different opinion.

With 17 minutes to go Molineux was suddenly in hope once again, a well worked free-kick saw Hunt square the ball for Jamie O'Hara who fired low through the crowd into the corner of the net to make it 3-1.

Suddenly it was all Wolves, Paul Robinson superbly denied Fletcher then Phil Jones made a great defensive header to thwart a Jarvis cross. His namesake Jermaine backed that up with an impressive clearance as the home side laid siege.

Elsewhere goals meant that Wolves were back in the bottom three, the home fans chanting "We only need one goal" as the match entered the final five minutes.

That one goal duly arrived to delight the black and gold, Stephen Hunt curling an unstoppable effort into the far top corner with Robinson having no chance.

As the final whistle's started to blow elsewhere it was clear that both Wolves and Rovers were safe, both sides keeping ball until Howard Webb blew to signal an end to the 2010-11 season.

It was an eventful campaign, but one the Rovers players would not like a repeat of.

WOLVES: Hennessey, Elokobi, Craddock, Henry (c) (sub Guedioura 85 mins), Fletcher (sub Berra 90 mins), Ward, Hunt, Jarvis, Mancienne (sub Ebanks-Blake 46 mins), O'Hara, Foley.

Subs: Hahnemann (GK), Stearman, Vokes, Milijas.

ROVERS: Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), P. Jones, Givet, Emerton, Nzonzi, J. Jones, Olsson, Hoilett (sub Pedersen 80 mins), Robert (sub Diouf 74 mins).

Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Dunn, Andrews, Santa Cruz, Benjani.

Booked: Henry, Craddock, Hunt (Wolves), Samba (Rovers).

Attendance: 29,009

After leading for so long, Rovers had to settle for just a point in a game of high tension at Upton Park.

Jason Roberts gave Rovers the perfect start when he poked home Brett Emerton's centre after just thirteen minutes.

That stunned the home side, but Rovers failed to increase their advantage, Mame Diouf flagged offside whilst through, then Morten Gamst Pedersen just failed to connect another Emerton centre.

West Ham came out with more purpose in the second half, Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger going close, but just when it looked like Rovers weathered the storm they were pegged back, Hitzlsperger drilling the ball through several pairs of legs with 12 minutes to go.

That set up a barnstorming finish, Robbie Kean missing a gilt-edged chance on 88 minutes, before Chris Samba showed true grit and determination to make two last-ditch blocks.

The point doesn't see Rovers safe just yet, but they are edging ever closer.

Ahead of the game Steve Kean made three changes from the side that defeated Bolton last time out.

Two of them were enforced with Michel Salgado's knee injury sidelining the Spaniard, whilst a back muscle spasm meant Phil Jones was unable to play. Benjani the third change as he dropped to the bench.

The fit again Junior Hoilett returned to the starting eleven after missing the last three matches, whilst Morten Gamst Pedersen and Mame Biram Diouf returned to start. Nikola Kalinic missed after being sent home by the doctor.

Rovers lined up with a wide forward line, Diouf on the right, Hoilett on the left of Jason Roberts, with Morten Gamst Pedersen and Jermaine Jones providing the thrust through the centre.

And it was Pedersen who was in the thick of the action early on. Just two minutes had elapsed when the Norwegian went close, Jones finding Diouf who in turn fed Pedersen but his drilled effort deflected narrowly wide.

Three minutes later and his services were required at the other end, heading off the line to stop a Manuel Da Costa header from a corner kick.

Thirteen minutes in and the deadlock was broken with a superb attacking move from Rovers. Jermaine Jones again powering forward to find Brett Emerton advancing on the overlap and he crossed for Jason Roberts to score with an outstretched boot.

Five minutes later it could have been two but Mame Biram Diouf was just offside as he latched onto Junior Hoilett's slide rule pass.

Then as Rovers continued to force the pace, Pedersen was inches away from connecting with another Emerton centre.

But as the first half entered its latter stages, the home side started to impose themselves, Demba Ba glanced a Wayne Bridge cross wide, whilst Jonathan Spector headed tamely at Robinson.

Then a long ball into the Rovers box saw Ba get the better of Chris Samba, but unable to get into a shooting position he fed Freddie Sears, Robinson saving his effort low to his left.

As the clock clicked past added time there was a late scare from a Hitzlsperger corner as Rovers scrambled to clear their lines.

It was a nervy ending to a very nervy first half.

West Ham came out with renewed enthusiasm after the restart, Spector and Hitzlsperger testing the Rovers defence.

But Avram Grant wasted little time in changing his side, Robbie Keane coming on for Luis Boa Morte, but it was Rovers who then enjoyed a spell of pressure themselves.

Chris Samba could only head into the palms of Robert Green from a Pedersen corner, whilst Steven Nzonzi saw his shot beaten away, Hoilett unable to take advantage of the rebound.

The home side then made further changes with Collison and Piquionne coming on, meaning they were employing four strikers. One of those forwards Demba Ba put a low drive narrowly wide.

Rovers made a double change of their own with Roque Santa Cruz replacing Roberts and Keith Andrews coming on for the tiring Junior Hoilett, but it was the back line who were under pressure.

With twelve minutes to go the pressure told and West Ham were level, Hitzlsperger drilling the ball low through the crowded box and nestling into the corner of the net.

That set up a barnstorming last few minutes, Chris Samba just couldn't get a connection on an Nzonzi flick, whilst Manuel Da Costa was fortunate to escape a second yellow for deliberate hand ball.

All connected with Rovers breathed a huge sigh of relief when Robbie Kean missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-1 to West Ham, but the Republic of Ireland international striker couldn't score from inside the six yard box, his touch taking the ball away from goal.

Added time saw more drama but captain Chris Samba was in the right place at the right time to make two sensational blocks to deny Ba and then Cole, it might just have saved Rovers' Premier League status.

WEST HAM: Green (c), Gabbidon, Cole, Hitzlsperger, Boa Morte (sub Keane 55 mins), Spector, Sears (sub Collison 64 mins), Ba, Da Costa, Bridge, Jacobsen (sub Piquionne 64 mins).

Subs not used: Boffin (GK), Tomkins, Kovac, Hines.

ROVERS: Robinson, Emerton, Samba (c), Givet, Olsson, Hoilett (sub Andrews 69 mins), Nzonzi, J, Jones, Pedersen, Diouf (sub Formica 94 mins), Roberts (sub Santa Cruz 69 mins).

Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Benjani, Hanley.

Booked: Da Costa, Boa Morte, Spector (West Ham).

Attendance: 33,789

Rovers were left having to settle for a point in a match they dominated at Ewood.

Steve Kean's side created the lions share of the chances but were left frustrated against a stubborn Birmingham City side.

Rovers started brightly with Jermaine Jones, Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen all going close, but it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play just past the half hour, Lee Bowyer looking suspiciously offside as he headed home Cameron Jerome's centre from inside the six yard box.

Sebastian Larsson then almost doubled Birmingham's lead when he struck the post with a 20 yard free-kick.

Rovers rallied and deservedly levelled on the stroke of half time after Junior Hoilett robbed Liam Ridgewell to race away, round Ben Foster and stroke the ball home.

The second half was a procession of chances in Rovers' favour, Roque Santa Cruz heading against the bar, whilst Benjani, Salgado, Pedersen and Emerton all going close.

Chris Samba had the last chance of the game, but he headed narrowly wide in injury time.

The draw wasn't the result either side were looking for, how important the point proves to be in the shake up remains to be seen.

Fresh from last weekend's well-earned point at the Emirates manager Steve Kean made just the two changes to his starting line-up.

One was enforced as the three-match suspension to Steven Nzonzi meant a return to the starting eleven for David Dunn, whilst fit again Morten Gamst Pedersen was preferred to Brett Emerton who dropped to the bench.

In the Ewood Park sunshine Rovers were bright out of the blocks. Just a minute in Junior Hoilett set out his intentions with a jinking forward run down the right. He found Jermaine Jones advancing into the box, but the American slipped as he prepared to shoot, his subsequent effort lacking accuracy.

Then on five minutes Christopher Samba was inches wide with a glancing header as he connected well at the back post from Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick. Another Pedersen set piece found Ryan Nelsen rising high in the area, but headed straight at Ben Foster in the Birmingham goal.

Backed by a noisy crowed Rovers continued to force the pace, Olsson's fine run into the area deserved more, whilst Hoilett was penalised for a handball as he shot through a crowded box.

However there was concern in defence as Chris Samba fell awkwardly when leaping for a challenge, the Rovers captain looking in some pain as he received treatment from physio Dave Fevre. He was helped to the touchline but thankfully returned.

The first half hour had seen the visitors offer very little as an attacking force but it was them who took the lead in contentious circumstances on 32 minutes.

Firstly Jermaine Jones appeared to be fouled by Craig Gardner before the ball was fed onto Cameron Jerome, the striker charged into the six yard box to clip the ball to a suspiciously offside Lee Bowyer who headed into the back of the net. Rovers fans and players alike were furious but the goal stood.

Rovers almost hit back straight away but Roque Santa Cruz couldn't direct Junior Hoilett's cross on target with his glancing header.

Steve Kean was then forced to make a change as a centre half couldn't continue. But it wasn't the aforementioned Chris Samba who made way, it was Ryan Nelsen who limped to the sidelines. Jason Roberts replaced the Kiwi with Phil Jones dropping back to centre half.

Santa Cruz rose well to head Salgado's cross goalwards, but the ball is a couple of yards over Foster's goal, but it was at the other end that the goal was threatened more seriously when Sebastian Larsson very nearly doubled the visitors lead with a 20 yard free-kick. The Birmingham wide man unfortunate to see his effort strike the post and bounce to safety.

As the half entered added time Rovers had two further chances to go in at the break on level terms, a cleared throw saw Michel Salgado's effort blocked, Jason Roberts looped a header goalwards only to see Craig Gardner head off the line.

In the melee from those two incidents, City defender Roger Johnson sustained an injury that would mean further added time, and for once it worked in Rovers' favour.

Barry Ferguson played the ball back to Liam Ridgewell and as he took a touch the quick thinking Junior Hoilett pounced to take the ball off the defender. Hoilett raced away towards goal rounded goalkeeper Ben Foster and neatly rolled the ball into the empty net. His fourth league goal of the season.

The boos still rang out when after almost nine additional minutes the half-time whistle blew, they were directed towards the officials as they made their way down the tunnel.

The second half was slower to get going, not helped by the haphazard officiating of referee Chris Foy. Seemingly innocuous challenges brought out the whistle, whilst as genuinely injured players lay prone play continued.

Sebastian Larsson had the first opportunity after the restart, a free-kick similar to the one he struck so well in the first. This time Paul Robinson was equal to his efforts, diving to push the ball aside.

Rovers would then rattle the woodwork themselves, again it was Hoilett who posed the threat, dancing into the area with a series of twists and turns, he stood the ball up to the back post where Roque Santa Cruz leapt but could only divert the ball against the top of the crossbar.

Foster held well from a fizzing Pedersen free-kick, whilst substitute Benjani, on for Roque Santa Cruz, turned well in the box to collect a pass from David Dunn, but couldn't get his effort on target.

Rovers were then dealt another injury blow as Junior Hoilett was unceremoniously body checked by Barry Ferguson and unable to continue. Brett Emerton came on to replace the Canadian with twenty minutes remaining, Ferguson rightly yellow carded.

Play continued towards the Blackburn End in the final stages, Chris Samba hooked an effort over from a Pedersen throw and Olsson was denied by Foster as he stole into the area. Then after Benjani saw his route to goal thwarted by Curtis Davies. David Dunn's free-kick deflected to Michel Salgado but his shot was diverted wide.

The resulting corner kick would see a trademark inswinger from Pedersen but Ben Foster read the situation well to tip over.

Like the first half, some eight additional minutes were played, but there were to be no last minute heroics this time, Chris Samba heading wide a late chance from a corner.

Neither side would have wanted a draw as the game kicked off, the visitors more thankful than Steve Kean's at the outcome.

ROVERS: Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Nelsen (sub Roberts 35 mins), Olsson, Hoilett (sub Emerton 69 mins), J. Jones, P. Jones, Pedersen, Dunn, Santa Cruz (sub Benjani 63 mins).

Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Hanley, Diouf.

BIRMINGHAM: Foster, Carr (c), Bowyer, Johnson (sub Davies 46 mins), Ridgewell, Larsson, Gardner, Phillips, Jerome, Ferguson, Parnaby.

Subs not used: Doyle (GK), Murphy, Derbyshire, Fahey, Hleb, Mutch.

Booked: Olsson, J. Jones (Rovers), Ferguson, Larsson, Carr (Birmingham).

Attendance: 28,426

Rovers picked the perfect time to earn their first league point against Arsenal at the Emirates.

On an afternoon in which results elsewhere were mixed, Steve Kean's side put in an energetic and determined display to be full value for their point.

The match may have ended goalless, but both sides had chances. Martin Olsson and Steven Nzonzi going close for Rovers in the first half, whilst Jack Wilshire and Robin van Persie wasted efforts for the home side.

The second half was just as open, but the sending off of Steven Nzonzi with fifteen minutes to go handed the impetus to Arsenal, but impressive defensive displays from the ten men in blue and white ensured a fully deserved point.

Ahead of the game Rovers boss Steve Kean made just the one change from the side that rallied to a point against Blackpool last time out.

That change saw Phil Jones return to the starting eleven for the first time since early December, Mame Biram Diouf making way as he dropped to the bench.

As expected the home side started with the purpose of a side looking to reduce the gap to Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Alex Song had been denied by a superb sliding challenge by Phil Jones, before Paul Robinson saved twice to deny Theo Walcott. The first requiring Ryan Nelsen to clear away from inside his area as the ball ran loose.

Both sides were then subjected to injury concerns, Rovers with Martin Olsson after a collision with Bacary Sagna, Samir Nasri for Arsenal after a clash of heads with Ryan Nelsen. Both players were patched up to return to action.

It was Olsson who would have Rovers' first chance of the opening half, set away by Junior Hoilett, the Swede fired into the side-netting with space reducing.

Hoilett was proving to be troublesome to the Gunners, drawing a foul from Laurent Koscielny, but Brett Emerton couldn't take advantage from the resulting free-kick, firing high over the bar from the edge of the area.

Just before the half hour however Rovers were given a huge let-off as Jack Wilshire missed a golden chance to give the home side the lead. Robin van Persie fed Nasri and he teed up the England midfielder but six yards out he somehow side-footed wide.

Rovers very nearly made Arsenal pay for that miss, Martin Olsson again impressing to cut inside to let fly from 25 yards out, the low shot seemed comfortable for Manuel Almunia but the Spaniard let the ball slip from his grasp, it was the home side's turn to be relieved as the ball went the wrong side of the post.

Amusingly the TV cameras focused first on substitute goalkeeper Jens Lehmann before then settling on Arsenal goalkeeping legend Bob Wilson.

Rovers continued with their improvement with Olsson, Jermaine Jones and Junior Hoilett at the heart of everything. Canadian Hoilett skipping past Sagna and Sebastien Squillaci with ease but firing wide from the edge of the area to leave the home fans edgy.

Then Jermaine Jones set Olsson away on the left, he took the ball past Walcott before firing the centre into the area, only a vital touch from Squillaci preventing Steven Nzonzi from getting a free header.

On 45 minutes Nzonzi would get another free header and one from which Rovers should have taken the lead. In a near repeat of the last-gasp goal against Blackpool, Paul Robinson sent a free-kick long into the area, Almunia was nowhere, Nzonzi rose high but couldn't direct his header on target.

Arsenal rallied in the four additional minutes, but with Robinson alert and Samba's long legs denying Nasri, they were able to contain the Gunners.

As Phil Dowd blew the half-time whistle, the Rovers players made their way back to the changing rooms knowing they had given their all in an entertaining first half.

In contrast to the first the second half was slow to get going, the home side having the attacking impetus but without every creating a clear cut opening. The closest coming on 55 when Jack Wilshire was playing in once again but much to the frustration of the fans he attempted a pass rather a shot and Rovers cleared.

Cesc Fabregas replaced the ineffective Arshavin just before the hour mark, but Rovers continued to give as good as they could, a break from the impressive Jermaine Jones saw him exchange passes with Roque Santa Cruz to then feed Hoilett, but as the Canadian charged into the area he went to ground but referee Phil Dowd was unmoved.

Robin van Persie tested Paul Robinson with a shot from the edge of the box, the Rovers 'keeper down quickly to his left to make a smart stop.

But aside from that Arsenal created little in the way of clear cut chances, the defensive unit performing admirably to keep the Gunners at bay.

However with fifteen minutes to go Rovers were dealt a huge blow when Steven Nzonzi was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on Laurent Koscielny. Replays showed that the Rovers midfield got his foot to the ball, but Dowd was unwavering in his decision.

With Rovers down to ten men that effectively ended their attacking impetus, as they employed a rearguard display for the remainder of the game.

Martin Olsson pulled off a superb block to deny Marouane Chamakh, whilst fellow sub Nicklas Bendtner headed over van Persie's centre.

Rovers felt Alex Song was fortunate to remain on the pitch after bodychecking Jermain Jones, then Dowd fanned the flames further when he thwarted a Phil Jones attack to bring play back to see to the aforementioned Arsenal man.

Arsenal showed more attacking play in the final stages, Robinson saved brilliantly to push the ball away after Chamakh's header deflected off Samba, then Michel Salgado blocked a Bendtner header on the line as they pressed into injury time.

Again four minutes were shown, but like warriors Rovers held on to claim what could prove to be a pivotal point in this season's campaign.

Rovers are next against Birmingham next weekend at Ewood, a repeat of the fighting qualities shown at the Emirates will surely see them pull clear of the bottom clubs.

ARSENAL: Almunia, Sagna, Koscielny, Nasri (sub Bendtner 78 mins), van Persie, Walcott (sub Chamakh 73 mins), Song, Squillaci, Wilshire, Clichy, Arshavin (sub Fabregas 58 mins).

Subs not used: Lehmann (GK), Diaby, Rosicky, Eboue.

ROVERS: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson, Emerton, Nzonzi, P Jones, J Jones (sub Dunn 90 mins), Hoilett, Santa Cruz (sub Roberts 62 mins).

Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Benjani, Hanley, Diouf.

Booked: Song (Arsenal), Hoilett, Salgado (Rovers).

Off: Nzonzi (Rovers)

Attendance: 60,087

Blackburn Rovers got what they deserved today after a lacklustre display against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Fabio Capello watched Villa dominate throughout and come away with a well deserved 4 - 1 win.

What started as a promising afternoon, with the chance to rise into the top half ended in disaster as Rovers conceded four goals against Villa and had club Captain Ryan Nelson sent off.

Villa`s form was exactly the same as ours leading into the match with a loss and two draws in their last three premier league games. Rovers beat Aston Villa 1- 0 in this fixture last season.

Blackburn lined up today with a defensive 4 - 5 - 1, which surprised me a bit. After our recent good attacking play this seemed like a step backwards for me. Santa Cruz was our lone front man, with Pedersen and Emerton on the flanks. Grella, Jermaine Jones and everyone`s favourite Keith Andrews played in the heart of midfield and our back four was a normally very solid combination of Salgado, Olsson, Nelson and Hanley.

It seemed to me that we were set up to play for the draw today, which at Villa away is not a bad thing, though with Villa`s recent form I thought that we may try and take the game to them….how wrong I was.

Rovers kicked off the first half and after a lifeless start Aston Villa nearly made us pay. Ten minutes into the game Ashley Young fed a good through play into Bent whose shot was well saved by Paul Robinson this was a sign of things to come.

Throughout the first half Rovers were on the back foot, but to our credit we defended quite well. Nelson was producing good tackles to stop the likes of Pires from breaking through.

Rovers first shot came after 17 minutes, Pedersen and Andrews combined in the middle to give Olsson space to shoot, however his shot was wide of the mark.

Salgado started really well at right back, tackle after tackle he made on downing and Pires, but young Albrighton was getting the better of him by using his pace.

Blackburn then went on the attack, playing the ball out to Pedersen who whipped a dangerous ball in searching for Santa Cruz at the far post, the cross was headed away by Baker and the Villa counter attack was on, it ended with Jones bringing down Pires and earning himself a yellow card for his actions.

On the 25th minute came our best chance of the half so far, Pedersen took the corner and Ryan Nelson met the cross with a strong header, which unfortunately went over the bar.

he game was quite scrappy at this point, with most of the football played in our own half.

There was a penalty shout for Villa next as Hanley brought down Bent in the area, from where I was sat it did look like Hanley made contact, I`ve seen penalties given for similar challenges and we were lucky it was not given. Villa played on and the loose ball fell to Downing, who skied his shot.

Villa was dominating play and Rovers struggled to get the ball past the halfway line. Villa had another chance when Downing worked the ball inside finding Pires, whose shot went wide.

Next there was a dangerous free kick at the edge of the area for Villa after Olson caught Young. Downing whipped in the free kick only for the commanding Paul Robinson to come out and punch the ball away, taking out Baker in the process. Baker then went off with a head injury, Delph replacing him.

Another dangerous Villa attack followed, Albrighton beat Salgado round the outside and whipped a dangerous cross in, the ball came out to Pires who hit a powerful shot from 20 yards, Paul Robinson provided the heroics to keep Blackburn level.

Villa were really piling on the pressure at the end of the half and soon they had another chance. Pires had a 20 yard shot parried away by Robinson, the ball fell to Bent who was odds on to score, only for Robinson to be the hero again as he made an instinctive save to keep us in it.

Villa wanted to score before halftime and nearly did well the ball came to Walker who unleashed a powerful drive from 15 yards, Robinson saved well and the ball fell to Ashley Young who really should of scored, however his shot was well over.

Next came disaster from Pedersen, who had been playing well so far. Pedersen intercepted a pass only for the ball to go to Darren Bent who raced on goal, we were lucky. Bent hesitated for a second and Ryan Nelson made an inch perfect tackle.

Half time 0 - 0. After starting well Villa dominated from 25 minutes onwards. Little to write about Rovers going forward, we did well defensively so far, Hanley was looking ok and Nelson was on form. With Robinson showing exactly why he should be England`s number 1. Santa Cruz had little to do and was looking lonely up front.

At the start of the second half came our best chance so far, Rovers came out all guns blazing, Santa Cruz won the ball in midfield before charging forward and playing in Jones, whose shot was well saved by former Rovers legend Brad Friedel.

Sadly that was it from us.

What seemed to be a little pressure situation turned into disaster for Keith Andrews. Pedersen played it back to Keith, who failed to clear the ball, instead opting to show everyone his undoubted skill on the ball. Ashley Young won the ball and was immediately brought down in the area by (you guessed it) Keith Andrews, no doubt about it stonewall penalty to Villa.

Ashley Young stepped up for the Penalty and drilled the ball into the back of the net, sending Robbo the wrong way. 1 - 0 Villa.

Danger for Rovers soon followed after (yes him again) Andrews sloppy pass found Albrighton, who charged down the right hand side and whipped the ball in, his cross missed everyone and was well cleared by Nelson.

Villa dominated play and you just felt the second goal was coming, Villa didn`t disappoint. A series of corners lead to Villa`s second goal. The first corner was played short to Young who whipped it dangerously into the six yard box, Hanley headed the first one out for another corner.

The second corner went to Albrighton, who crossed into the 6 yard box, Keith Andrews got his head to it and sent it dangerously across the goalmouth and out for another corner.

The third corner came to Albrighton, who came inside and whipped a cross into the middle, Hanley instinctively tried to block it, only to send it into the back of the net. 2- 0 Villa.

A substitution then followed as Aussie Grella was taken off for the prolific Jason Roberts. And service starved Santa Cruz came off for Michael Corleone lookalike Nikola Kalinic

Rovers then seemed to turn off and Villa made us pay again. A foul in midfield by Nelson on Young lead to downing playing on and surging into the clear, his tidy left footed finish curled around Paul Robinson and nestled into the corner. 3 - 0 Villa. Nelson then got his first yellow of the game for the foul on Young in the build up.

Next came a rare chance for Rovers, Olsson was brought down on the left and from the resulting free kick we could of scored. Pedersen sent the free kick dangerously towards the back post, Hanley was stretching but could not reach it, a touch would of probably sent it in.

Albrighton was running the game down the right flank, twice he managed to cut inside in the space of five minutes, both attempts were saved well by Paul Robinson.

Next it was Young`s turn. He charged down the flank, cut inside then back outside before sending a dangerous cross/shot across goal, Bent couldn`t touch it to make it four.

Another penalty shout followed soon afterwards when Albrighton went down after a challenge from Salgado. Albrighton cut inside and sent for ball past Salgado, the referee was nearby and let play on, but I have seen them given before.

Pires then got a round of applause as he left the pitch for Petrov.

It`s safe to say that Andrews didn`t when he was replaced soon afterwards for the Zonz.

A rare goal for Rovers followed. Kalinic hit a powerful strike from 20 yards, the ball deflected wickedly off Richard Dunne and looped over over Fridel and into the ball of the net. 3 - 1 Villa.

Any hopes of a comeback were soon dashed when Ashley Young scored again. Downing took the ball down the right. Olsson backed off and Downing picked out Young who curled the ball home from the edge of the area.

Jason Robert`s idle Emile Heskey then came on for Darren Bent.

Kalinic almost scored again soon afterwards, Nikola Kalinic took a long shot from about 20 yards which went just inches wide, a great effort from the Croatian.

Soon after Heskey shows Jason Roberts how it is done. Petrov sent Downing down the right, his cross from the right fell to Heskey who missed an open net.

4 minutes stoppage time followed.

Ryan Nelson was then sent off in the 93rd minute. Young rushed past him and Nelson brought him down, earning him a second yellow card and a one match suspension.

Paul Robinson. Kalinic ran him close but Robbo was on form today and didn`t deserve to concede four goals. In the first half he almost single headedly kept us in the game.

Excellent game for a keeper who conceded four goals.

See star man.

He started well at right back but was soon caught out for pace time and time again by Albrighton.

Needed help.

Made some great tackles over the course of the game and was unlucky to be sent off.

Brave to even be playing.

Scored an own goal. Looked very shaky after that and struggled to keep his cool.

Learning curve.

Wasn`t as good going forward as he normally is, had a few shots off target.

Still operating at left back.

Did he do anything this game?

Ah yes, got booked in the first half.

'Sasman' had some good input at times, I would like to see him play in the middle.

(Preferably ahead of Andrews or Grella!)

Did a good job on the whole, made some good passes, got booked in the first half.

Better.

'Irish Kaka' made some sloppy passes throughout and a horrible mistake that lead to Villa`s breakthrough goal.

They'll be on his back again will the boo boys.

The one time he got the ball he played Jones through and we almost scored.

Needs more service.

Confusing runs, poor movement and sloppy passing.

Must do much, much better. Frustrated his team mates.

The Croatian came on and scored, and almost got a second, did his job well.

Lively.

Not much time to make an impact.

Kept it steady but couldn't affect the game.

Same as N'Zonzi really.

Bought on to assist Kalinic.