Aston Villa made it four Premier League wins on the trot for the first time since 2000 with comprehensive 4-0 away win at ten men Blackburn.
Villa move up to sixth in the table but it was achieved with some degree of controversy following the sending off in the 53rd minute of Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen.
The New Zealand international clearly pulled back Gabriel Agbonlahor but whether the Villa man was denied a clear goal scoring opportunity was open to debate.
Gareth Barry easily converted from 12 yards which added to John Carew's first half header.
At this stage it was difficult to recall that Blackburn had looked the better side for the first half hour and only poor finishing and some fine saves by Scott Carson had kept the Midlanders in the game.
Boss Martin O'Neill was, "delighted, not just that we won, but in the manner of our victory.
"I thought we played very well and we had to play well because Blackburn are a very good side. I watched them against Fulham on Sunday and thought they were unlucky not to win.
"So we knew we had to be strong, but we also came here looking to be very adventurous. I'm just delighted that we've won, delighted in the manner that we've won. I couldn't be more pleased.
"John (Carew) got an important goal for us with the first. He's getting fitter and sharper and that's good news for us.
"We scored some great goals tonight. Ashley Young's goal was absolutely fantastic, so was Marlon's and I'm just absolutely delighted."
O'Neill added: "Gareth's penalty was a big goal and it was a big performance from him. Just like John's it was a big goal at an important time.
"The fans were terrific once again for us. It was great to see so many of them coming up here for a midweek game. I speak for everyone in the dressing room when I say that we really appreciate that and we're delighted to have given them another three points."
