Argentine striker Carlos Tevez scored a hat-trick to help Manchester City beat Blackburn Rovers 4-1 to move into fourth place in the Premier League standings on Monday.

The team's fourth successive win was inspired by Tevez who put City ahead after seven minutes, added their third after 49 minutes and their fourth in the first minute of stoppage time.

Micah Richards also scored in the first half while Morten Gamst Pedersen replied for unimpressive Blackburn after 71 minutes.

Blackburn, without a league win for nine matches, remained 13th,but are just three points above the relegation zone.