Aston Villa Vs. Blackburn Rovers: Stewart Downing Gives Villa 3-0 Lead

Just two minutes after Grant Hanley scored an own goal for Blackburn Rovers, Stewart Downing may have put the game out of reach for the visitors, putting Villa up 3-0 in the 64th minute. Referee Martin Atkinson gave a perfect example of why advantage should be played. Ashley Young sent the ball through for Downing, charging up the right side, just before Blackburn captain Ryan Nelson hauled down Young. Atkinson waved play on, which turned out to be the correct decision. With Darren Bent occupying the rest of the Rovers defense, Downing had time to cut in and take the shot off his favored left foot, sending it over Paul Robinson and into the corner of the net.

With a three goal advantage, Villa are finally coming out of their shell. Marc Albrighton has been sending in shots only to see them blocked by Robinson, with Young trying his luck as well.