Volleys from Martin Olsson and Brett Emerton gave Rovers hope before Ashley Young curled home to wrap up the win for Martin O'Neill's side.

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Martin Olsson fired against the bar for Rovers but, even after Villa had Nathan Baker sent off for a wild tackle, Blackburn rarely threatened a comeback.

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At the other end, Nikola Kalinic, returning from a three-match ban, did his best to give Blackburn an outlet, teeing up Martin Olsson for a long-range drive which Petr Cech saved comfortably.

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Birmingham had Foster to thank for keeping them in the game as the clock ticked down, the 28-year-old bravely taking the ball off Martin Olsson has he bore down on the goal.

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Lennon ran rings around Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson at White Hart Lane, causing the Swede to pick up two yellow cards as he was dismissed before the break and setting up Roman Pavlyuchenko's winner.

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Mame Diouf had the best of these when Olsson's wicked cross flashed beyond Martin Skrtel but it took the striker by surprise and he could only shin the ball into the hands of Pepe Reina.

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