Manchester City jumped into fourth spot with a 4-1 win over
Blackburn - and Rovers chief Sam Allardyce believes they will stay
there.
Carlos Tevez's first City hat-trick, plus a sensational
effort from Micah Richards were enough to account for the visitors
at Eastlands and put the Blues into a position that would secure
Champions League combat.
City still face a battle if owner Sheikh Mansour's stated aim
is to be achieved. But with so much class at their disposal, and
new manager Roberto Mancini already making his side into a more
durable defensive unit, Allardyce feels City fans have good reason
to be optimistic.
"There is no reason to think they cannot be in the top four,"
said the Blackburn boss. "When you look at the other sides who
usually finish in the top four, it might not be a bad time to do
it.
"Some of the big clubs are not living up to their normal
standards.
"Liverpool and Manchester United are not quite as good as
they have been, so an opportunity could be there for Manchester
City.
"They have quite a few injuries themselves and they are still
fourth.
"They have also won four matches on the trot under Roberto
Mancini so confidence is bound to grow as well."
A very unhappy Allardyce was left to reflect on a ninth game
without a win and a punishing defeat, which comes just three days
before Thursday's Carling Cup semi-final with Aston Villa at Ewood
Park.
"I could not believe what we were doing in the first half,"
groaned Allardyce. "It was a bad night for us and the players did
not live up to their regular performances."
Allardyce also revealed he had received no contact from
anyone regarding striker Benni McCarthy, who was pulled out of
tonight's defeat with a back spasm.
"We have not had one bid for him," said the Blackburn boss.
"Until such time as we get one, we cannot move."
