Two points in two games have left Birmingham City agonizingly close to confirming a top six finish, with just two games to go away to Brighton and at home to Reading in the last game of the season. Blues were given a scare at the weekend in a game where a win would have seen them all but seal a play-off place.
In the battle of the BCFCs it was relegation threatened Bristol who took the lead with Stephen Pearson beating Colin Doyle, in goal after Boaz Myhill picked up an injury in the warm up. Bristol doubled their advantage soon after, this time Jon Stead scoring a peach of a goal to give the visitors an almighty boost in their quest for survival, and to send shockwaves throughout the Birmingham side reminding them that in this league, no game is easy.
Just before half time Marlon King halved the deficit, thanks to a deflection, and Blues went in at the break with work still to do. The second half saw Blues finally get the equaliser they had been searching for; defender Peter Ramage and player of the season contender Chris Burke worked together on the right hand side before Burke sent a low ball into the box which Nikola Zigic, just yards out, duly slotted home.
Blues only have themselves to blame for letting vital points slip at an all-important home fixture, in which miss placed passes were unfortunately all too common throughout the ninety minutes, culminating in Blues being the masters of their own downfall.
Tonight’s midweek fixtures presented Blues with another opportunity to cement their play-off place but a lacklustre start from the away side meant that it was a very nervous forty-five minutes, especially with the news that Cardiff were 1-0 ahead and, as it stood, on level points with Blues.
Ipswich caused problems for the Blues back line and Colin Doyle had to be called upon several times to prevent the tractor boys from taking the lead. Blues were then hit with another injury blow, with Captain Steven Caldwell having to go off with ten minutes left of the first half.
Just before half time Blues took the lead against the run of play, with a goal that was equally well constructed as it was well taken, with that man Chris Burke finishing a move that saw Peter Ramage, Marlon King and Andros Townsend all involved. It was a perfect time to score a goal.
Blues began the second half with impetus, looking bright on the counter attack with Ipswich, mid table and with nothing to play for, not as committed to the cause as their opponents. But Ipswich pressed on to enjoy heavy spells of the game, with Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas causing countless problems and keeping Doyle on his toes.
And the latter equalised for his side with 75 minutes on the clock, sending his low effort past Doyle and piling pressure on Blues who up until that point were fifteen minutes away from sealing a place in the play-offs.
The game continued to be an end of end affair, with Blues coming agonizingly close late on with Zigic’s shot being cleared off the line. Ipswich piled on the pressure but the away side held on, all but confirming a play-off place after tonight’s result, but wins for Cardiff and Blackpool mean Blues are clinging onto fourth place by a single point.
Showing posts with label Nikola Zigic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nikola Zigic. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
A Week To Forget
Birmingham’s promotion campaign took a slight stumble this week, only managing to pick up one point from two games leaving them just in the top six on goal-difference alone. In a week that saw a 4-1 loss away to bottom of the league Portsmouth and a tough-fought home draw against fellow promotion pushers Cardiff, it is one for Blues to perhaps forget and try to move on from as quickly as possible.
It all looked to be going so well when Nikola Zigic put his side ahead just seven minutes into the midweek game on the south coast, yet Blues were left to rue their inability to put the game to bed when Chris Maguire put Pompey back on level terms early in the second half. The onslaught ensued, as just three minutes later David Murphy was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and namesake David Norris put the struggling side ahead.
As Blues pushed for an equaliser, their depleting defence conceded two more, first from substitute Kelvin Etuhu who had been on the pitch a matter of minutes, and then Marko Futacs more than secured the three points in stoppage time to give his side an almighty lift in their fight for survival.
Blues were not only left to rue their missed chances, but the questionable refereeing decisions which lead to Murphy been sent for an early shower, and the free kick that lead to Portsmouth’s second goal appearing to strike a Pompey arm before falling to Norris. Manager Chris Hughton, never one to lament officiating, stated this as one of the reasons for his team’s loss.
But there was no time to dwell on it, with Cardiff City’s visit to St. Andrew’s imminent, Hughton had a few days to prepare for what everyone knew would be a tough fixture. After a poignant tribute to former-Blue Fabrice Muamba, who continues to recover day by day in hospital after collapsing last week, it was back to business on the pitch with the away side looking the more dangerous in the early stages, but failing to cause too many problems with their inability to beat the offside trap.
Blues failed to get anywhere near their best and on the whole, the first half was uninspiring to say the least. Keith Fahey was being missed by the midfield which seemed no-existant, with balls going straight up to Marlon King and Erik Huseklepp; bypassing the centre of the park. The away side definitely went in at half time the happier, seemingly finding the form again that they have lacked of late.
Yet, the second half saw Blues come out the blocks and attack with some real threat. After failing to get Chris Burke on the ball too often in the first forty-five, the ex-Cardiff man was now getting the ball down the wing and causing problems for the Cardiff back line.
As a result of their attacking play, Blues were awarded a penalty when Jordon Mutch was clearly brought down in the area. Marlon King stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but was out-witted by David Marshall and the score remained at 0-0.
Erik Huseklepp, back in the side after not being able to play against his parent club midweek, almost made up for King’s failed efforts moments later when he found himself through on goal, but it was Marshall who came to the rescue again for Cardiff to keep the scores level.
The game was becoming more end to end, and after a Cardiff attack was dealt with Burke broke with the ball and motored up the pitch and, with Huseklepp in the six-yard box, he coolly squared the ball to the on-loan striker who scored from close range.
It was a fantastic solo effort by Burke culminating in another assist for the man who was voted in the top ten Championship players by the managers in the league earlier this month.
Blues looked to have done enough to take all three points after a seemingly rocky start, but with just twelve minutes left Cardiff produced a perfect move that meant Blues had to share the spoils; Peter Whittingham’s ball found Captain Mark Hudson who fired past Boaz Myhill, who had been untroubled for most of the afternoon.
On reflection it was a deserved equaliser, but at the business end of the season you want to be winning games – especially your home games – even if you don’t necessarily deserve the three points.
Blues travel to relegation threatened Doncaster on Friday night, hoping to get back to winning ways as the season draws to a close. No more mistakes can be made now as we go into the final stretch of games in our quest for promotion.
It all looked to be going so well when Nikola Zigic put his side ahead just seven minutes into the midweek game on the south coast, yet Blues were left to rue their inability to put the game to bed when Chris Maguire put Pompey back on level terms early in the second half. The onslaught ensued, as just three minutes later David Murphy was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and namesake David Norris put the struggling side ahead.
As Blues pushed for an equaliser, their depleting defence conceded two more, first from substitute Kelvin Etuhu who had been on the pitch a matter of minutes, and then Marko Futacs more than secured the three points in stoppage time to give his side an almighty lift in their fight for survival.
Blues were not only left to rue their missed chances, but the questionable refereeing decisions which lead to Murphy been sent for an early shower, and the free kick that lead to Portsmouth’s second goal appearing to strike a Pompey arm before falling to Norris. Manager Chris Hughton, never one to lament officiating, stated this as one of the reasons for his team’s loss.
But there was no time to dwell on it, with Cardiff City’s visit to St. Andrew’s imminent, Hughton had a few days to prepare for what everyone knew would be a tough fixture. After a poignant tribute to former-Blue Fabrice Muamba, who continues to recover day by day in hospital after collapsing last week, it was back to business on the pitch with the away side looking the more dangerous in the early stages, but failing to cause too many problems with their inability to beat the offside trap.
Blues failed to get anywhere near their best and on the whole, the first half was uninspiring to say the least. Keith Fahey was being missed by the midfield which seemed no-existant, with balls going straight up to Marlon King and Erik Huseklepp; bypassing the centre of the park. The away side definitely went in at half time the happier, seemingly finding the form again that they have lacked of late.
Yet, the second half saw Blues come out the blocks and attack with some real threat. After failing to get Chris Burke on the ball too often in the first forty-five, the ex-Cardiff man was now getting the ball down the wing and causing problems for the Cardiff back line.
As a result of their attacking play, Blues were awarded a penalty when Jordon Mutch was clearly brought down in the area. Marlon King stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but was out-witted by David Marshall and the score remained at 0-0.
Erik Huseklepp, back in the side after not being able to play against his parent club midweek, almost made up for King’s failed efforts moments later when he found himself through on goal, but it was Marshall who came to the rescue again for Cardiff to keep the scores level.
The game was becoming more end to end, and after a Cardiff attack was dealt with Burke broke with the ball and motored up the pitch and, with Huseklepp in the six-yard box, he coolly squared the ball to the on-loan striker who scored from close range.
It was a fantastic solo effort by Burke culminating in another assist for the man who was voted in the top ten Championship players by the managers in the league earlier this month.
Blues looked to have done enough to take all three points after a seemingly rocky start, but with just twelve minutes left Cardiff produced a perfect move that meant Blues had to share the spoils; Peter Whittingham’s ball found Captain Mark Hudson who fired past Boaz Myhill, who had been untroubled for most of the afternoon.
On reflection it was a deserved equaliser, but at the business end of the season you want to be winning games – especially your home games – even if you don’t necessarily deserve the three points.
Blues travel to relegation threatened Doncaster on Friday night, hoping to get back to winning ways as the season draws to a close. No more mistakes can be made now as we go into the final stretch of games in our quest for promotion.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Mixed Emotions
After a midweek stumble going down 3-1 at the hands of Leicester, Birmingham got their promotion push back on track with a comfortable and deserved 3-0 home victory against fellow play-off contenders Middlesbrough, who they then leapfrogged into fourth place.
Taking the lead against Leicester midweek through a Wade Elliott penalty, Blues seemed to be along the right lines to gain at least a point from their Midlands rivals. But after having Nikola Zigic’s header hit the bar then Steven Caldwell’s follow-up header being cleared off the line, it seemed to fuel the Leicester side who scored just moments later, with Jermaine Beckford capitalizing on some questionable defending from Blues. Two goals in the second half from Beckford again and then sbustitute Jeffrey Schlupp after more defensive mistakes made sure Blues left the King Power Stadium well and truly dejected, although you’d do well to believe that if you heard the travelling support, who gave their team and manager a tremendous backing throughout.
The midweek loss was just another dampener on Blues’ push for promotion, with their last win coming in February, a response was needed in the home game against Boro, who lost their last game at home to Leeds who played them almost off the park and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
And a response was what the fans got. In a professional performance by all involved, it was Nikola Zigic who got his name on the score sheet early on after connecting with Chris Burke’s cross to send a low header past Jason Steele and into the back of the net.
The away side threatened, but their long-range shots were easily coped with by Boaz Myhill and by the back line; with David Murphy back in the defence in place of the injured Jonathan Spector, a welcome return for the ex-Boro boy who helped his side to a clean sheet.
On top throughout, Blues were almost punished for defensive mistakes again but luckily Joe Bennett’s goal was disallowed for offside. Marlon King punished Boro further; the only man wearing a Blue shirt in the box connected with Chris Burke’s cross to finish from close range, beating several Boro players to the ball.
As the last home game proved – two goals just aren’t enough, and Blues were hungry for more to boost their goal difference up after it took a hit during the week. Keith Fahey, man of the match after a superb attacking and defensive display, put the game to bed on the 60th minute, picking up the ball inside his own half and going on a determined run which culminated in a fantastic goal after a superb solo effort by the Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day.
The result pushed Blues back into the play-off places and in great contention of staying there, with a game in hand on many of those around them.
But the results of the weekend all over the country mattered not, as on Saturday evening an event at White Hart Lane overshadowed football, and united the community of the sport in prayer for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. A great servant to Blues, Muamba came to England at a young age as a refugee, not knowing how the speak the language, and came through the ranks at Arsenal before going on loan and then signing for Birmingham. His commitment, lovable personality and his battling nature meant he soon became a crowd favourite at Blues, helping them to promotion in 2007 before making his Premier League debut the follow season. His final performance for Blues saw him score a long-awaited first goal at St. Andrew's - much to the delight of the player himself and the fans in the stands.
But then he's not known for goalscoring. His style of play is to win the ball and to move play along; a real battling midfielder who loves to get stuck in.
Muamba then then moved to Bolton, where he has been since 2008, and cemented a regular place in the team and continued his strong midfield performances.
It’s always the way that the worst things always happen to the great people, and I speak for everyone when I wish Muamba a speedy recovery. It has taken an event as tragic as this to unite football fans; but let’s all pray for Muamba.
Taking the lead against Leicester midweek through a Wade Elliott penalty, Blues seemed to be along the right lines to gain at least a point from their Midlands rivals. But after having Nikola Zigic’s header hit the bar then Steven Caldwell’s follow-up header being cleared off the line, it seemed to fuel the Leicester side who scored just moments later, with Jermaine Beckford capitalizing on some questionable defending from Blues. Two goals in the second half from Beckford again and then sbustitute Jeffrey Schlupp after more defensive mistakes made sure Blues left the King Power Stadium well and truly dejected, although you’d do well to believe that if you heard the travelling support, who gave their team and manager a tremendous backing throughout.
The midweek loss was just another dampener on Blues’ push for promotion, with their last win coming in February, a response was needed in the home game against Boro, who lost their last game at home to Leeds who played them almost off the park and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
And a response was what the fans got. In a professional performance by all involved, it was Nikola Zigic who got his name on the score sheet early on after connecting with Chris Burke’s cross to send a low header past Jason Steele and into the back of the net.
The away side threatened, but their long-range shots were easily coped with by Boaz Myhill and by the back line; with David Murphy back in the defence in place of the injured Jonathan Spector, a welcome return for the ex-Boro boy who helped his side to a clean sheet.
On top throughout, Blues were almost punished for defensive mistakes again but luckily Joe Bennett’s goal was disallowed for offside. Marlon King punished Boro further; the only man wearing a Blue shirt in the box connected with Chris Burke’s cross to finish from close range, beating several Boro players to the ball.
As the last home game proved – two goals just aren’t enough, and Blues were hungry for more to boost their goal difference up after it took a hit during the week. Keith Fahey, man of the match after a superb attacking and defensive display, put the game to bed on the 60th minute, picking up the ball inside his own half and going on a determined run which culminated in a fantastic goal after a superb solo effort by the Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day.
The result pushed Blues back into the play-off places and in great contention of staying there, with a game in hand on many of those around them.
But the results of the weekend all over the country mattered not, as on Saturday evening an event at White Hart Lane overshadowed football, and united the community of the sport in prayer for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. A great servant to Blues, Muamba came to England at a young age as a refugee, not knowing how the speak the language, and came through the ranks at Arsenal before going on loan and then signing for Birmingham. His commitment, lovable personality and his battling nature meant he soon became a crowd favourite at Blues, helping them to promotion in 2007 before making his Premier League debut the follow season. His final performance for Blues saw him score a long-awaited first goal at St. Andrew's - much to the delight of the player himself and the fans in the stands.
But then he's not known for goalscoring. His style of play is to win the ball and to move play along; a real battling midfielder who loves to get stuck in.
Muamba then then moved to Bolton, where he has been since 2008, and cemented a regular place in the team and continued his strong midfield performances.
It’s always the way that the worst things always happen to the great people, and I speak for everyone when I wish Muamba a speedy recovery. It has taken an event as tragic as this to unite football fans; but let’s all pray for Muamba.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Another Point On The Board
It was only last season that these two teams met at football’s top table, and Birmingham picked up a maximum of 6/6 Premier League points – their victory at Bloomfield Road being one of their only away wins of the 2010/11 season. After both suffering relegation on the last day of the season, The Blues and The Seasiders have a new outlook, new players and a new target, of which they both share, and that is promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Although Chris Hughton employed a 4-5-1 formation with Marlon King the lone striker, in order to combat Blackpool’s attacking style of play, it still made for an entertaining and end to end game – as it so often is when you play against Ian Holloway’s side. And it was the away team with the majority of the early chances, with Wade Elliott and Marlon King coming close. Blackpool responded, but it was Blues who drew first blood just before the half hour mark. Elliott’s inch perfect through ball found King, who kept his composure to slot home his fifth goal in a Blues shirt. The travelling contingent of 2,000+ fans went wild on the West Coast, but their celebrations were cut short when just two minutes later the home side were back in the game thanks to Stephen Crainey when at the same time, ironically, Blues fans were singing about winning away from home…
Still in full voice, the Blues fans kept spirits up on a blisteringly cold day in Blackpool, however the home side were doing all they could to really rain on Blues' parade; and a moment of magic in the 57th minute really did dampen the Birmingham spirits. Neal Eardley collected the ball on the edge of the area, picked his spot, and fired a perfectly placed shot home to send the Blackpool fans crazy.
The goal felt like a sucker punch to the Blues side and heads went down, but the introduction of Nikola Zigic almost saw an equaliser for Blues. The Serbian met Keith Fahey’s cross but headed agonisingly wide when it seemed easier to score, which has been the story of the past few games for Blues. Nevertheless, Hughton’s persistent side kept plugging away and finally got their reward in the 87th minute. The ball fell to Zigic a few yards from goal and this time the striker made no mistake as he first controlled and then shot past Matt Gilks in the Blackpool net to secure a point for his side and send the fans – and the team – home happy.
Full Time: Blackpool 2-2 BLUES
Goal Scorers: King (29) Crainey (31) Eardley (57) Zigic (87)
Star Man: I honestly can't call this one. It was a really even game and so not many players stood out.
Next Up: Braga away - Europa Leauge
Although Chris Hughton employed a 4-5-1 formation with Marlon King the lone striker, in order to combat Blackpool’s attacking style of play, it still made for an entertaining and end to end game – as it so often is when you play against Ian Holloway’s side. And it was the away team with the majority of the early chances, with Wade Elliott and Marlon King coming close. Blackpool responded, but it was Blues who drew first blood just before the half hour mark. Elliott’s inch perfect through ball found King, who kept his composure to slot home his fifth goal in a Blues shirt. The travelling contingent of 2,000+ fans went wild on the West Coast, but their celebrations were cut short when just two minutes later the home side were back in the game thanks to Stephen Crainey when at the same time, ironically, Blues fans were singing about winning away from home…
Still in full voice, the Blues fans kept spirits up on a blisteringly cold day in Blackpool, however the home side were doing all they could to really rain on Blues' parade; and a moment of magic in the 57th minute really did dampen the Birmingham spirits. Neal Eardley collected the ball on the edge of the area, picked his spot, and fired a perfectly placed shot home to send the Blackpool fans crazy.
The goal felt like a sucker punch to the Blues side and heads went down, but the introduction of Nikola Zigic almost saw an equaliser for Blues. The Serbian met Keith Fahey’s cross but headed agonisingly wide when it seemed easier to score, which has been the story of the past few games for Blues. Nevertheless, Hughton’s persistent side kept plugging away and finally got their reward in the 87th minute. The ball fell to Zigic a few yards from goal and this time the striker made no mistake as he first controlled and then shot past Matt Gilks in the Blackpool net to secure a point for his side and send the fans – and the team – home happy.
Full Time: Blackpool 2-2 BLUES
Goal Scorers: King (29) Crainey (31) Eardley (57) Zigic (87)
Star Man: I honestly can't call this one. It was a really even game and so not many players stood out.
Next Up: Braga away - Europa Leauge
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Back To Winning Ways
It was almost a carbon copy of Saturday’s game against Peterborough: we have more than enough chances to put ourselves ahead by some margin, we get a goal, we miss some astonishing sitters and then we conceded early on into the second half. The only difference being, of course, last night we kept on plugging away and scored a last minute equalizer which, on the whole, and over the course of two games: we deserved.
Going 1-0 up after just two minutes thanks to a perfectly placed shot from Jean Beausejour, the first half was, for the second game running, heavily dominated by the home team. The early goal meant we had ample time to go two or even three up before half time, and Nikola Zigic – much more lively after his static substitute appearance at the weekend – came close to doubling the advantage, heading just wide from a David Murphy free kick. Strike partner Marlon King was also left blushing, missing an open goal after some great solo work from Zigic, and it seemed easier to score than miss.
Blues went in at half time one goal to the good, yet, de ja vu was about to strike. Early into the second half Burnley were awarded a free kick in roughly the same area Peterborough scored theirs from at the weekend. The free kick was taken but cleared for a corner. Sighs of relief could be heard from the crowd, glad they had not witnessed an exact replica of the weekend’s game at St. Andrews. Of course, that was before Burnley scored from the resulting corner, and Blues were back to square one for the second game in a row.
But, true to their anthem, they kept right on, fighting in search for the winner. Keith Fahey and Jonathan Spector kept play moving in midfield and were looking to get the ball out to both the wingers and the fullbacks as Blues continued to put heavy pressure on the Burnley defence. Fahey, who comes under a lot of unfair criticism, had a creditable game and close twice with long range efforts. Burke similarly took on the Clarets’ backline several times but just couldn’t find a way through. The introduction of Nathan Redmond added yet more attacking firepower to Chris Hughton’s arsenal, and the teenager’s mazy runs confused the Burnley players several times, yet when they reached a team mate, the ball still managed to stay out the back of the net. Zigic missed another great opportunity to score after some great work by Redmond on the left hand side. The youngster wipped in a ball that went straight to the back post where Zigic was standing but the Serbian, being pushed by a Burnley defender, headed agonizingly wide.
The goal just didn’t seem to be coming and it looked to be like two points dropped again at home. But, as the three minutes were put up on the board, Blues finally got their lucky break. Murphy’s cross from the byline found an unmarked Burke in a busy 6 yard area, and the Scot managed to fire home; running off in jubilation towards the bench as soon as the ball left his foot.
Blues finally got what they deserved and will be looking to repeat the same performance – of not just dominating but picking up the three points too – in their next few fixtures, which include three tough away games on the bounce: away to first Blackpool, Braga in the Europa League and then Cardiff the following weekend. So it was a relief to finally get back to winning ways, and even if it was frustrating at times, you can’t help but admire the football we’re watching this season.
Full Time: BLUES 2-1 Burnley
Goal Scorers: Beausejour (2) Bartley (49) Burke (91)
Star Man: Although Nikola Zigic recieved man of the match in the ground, I felt that Chris Burke deserved it more. His tireless running up and down the wing, his excellent link-up play with Stephen Carr and the two central midfielders, his ability to take on players and beat them in the tightest of spaces and for his much-deserved last minute goal. Burke will tear you apart, again!
Next Up: Blackpool away - Championship
Going 1-0 up after just two minutes thanks to a perfectly placed shot from Jean Beausejour, the first half was, for the second game running, heavily dominated by the home team. The early goal meant we had ample time to go two or even three up before half time, and Nikola Zigic – much more lively after his static substitute appearance at the weekend – came close to doubling the advantage, heading just wide from a David Murphy free kick. Strike partner Marlon King was also left blushing, missing an open goal after some great solo work from Zigic, and it seemed easier to score than miss.
Blues went in at half time one goal to the good, yet, de ja vu was about to strike. Early into the second half Burnley were awarded a free kick in roughly the same area Peterborough scored theirs from at the weekend. The free kick was taken but cleared for a corner. Sighs of relief could be heard from the crowd, glad they had not witnessed an exact replica of the weekend’s game at St. Andrews. Of course, that was before Burnley scored from the resulting corner, and Blues were back to square one for the second game in a row.
But, true to their anthem, they kept right on, fighting in search for the winner. Keith Fahey and Jonathan Spector kept play moving in midfield and were looking to get the ball out to both the wingers and the fullbacks as Blues continued to put heavy pressure on the Burnley defence. Fahey, who comes under a lot of unfair criticism, had a creditable game and close twice with long range efforts. Burke similarly took on the Clarets’ backline several times but just couldn’t find a way through. The introduction of Nathan Redmond added yet more attacking firepower to Chris Hughton’s arsenal, and the teenager’s mazy runs confused the Burnley players several times, yet when they reached a team mate, the ball still managed to stay out the back of the net. Zigic missed another great opportunity to score after some great work by Redmond on the left hand side. The youngster wipped in a ball that went straight to the back post where Zigic was standing but the Serbian, being pushed by a Burnley defender, headed agonizingly wide.
The goal just didn’t seem to be coming and it looked to be like two points dropped again at home. But, as the three minutes were put up on the board, Blues finally got their lucky break. Murphy’s cross from the byline found an unmarked Burke in a busy 6 yard area, and the Scot managed to fire home; running off in jubilation towards the bench as soon as the ball left his foot.
Blues finally got what they deserved and will be looking to repeat the same performance – of not just dominating but picking up the three points too – in their next few fixtures, which include three tough away games on the bounce: away to first Blackpool, Braga in the Europa League and then Cardiff the following weekend. So it was a relief to finally get back to winning ways, and even if it was frustrating at times, you can’t help but admire the football we’re watching this season.
Full Time: BLUES 2-1 Burnley
Goal Scorers: Beausejour (2) Bartley (49) Burke (91)
Star Man: Although Nikola Zigic recieved man of the match in the ground, I felt that Chris Burke deserved it more. His tireless running up and down the wing, his excellent link-up play with Stephen Carr and the two central midfielders, his ability to take on players and beat them in the tightest of spaces and for his much-deserved last minute goal. Burke will tear you apart, again!
Next Up: Blackpool away - Championship
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Six and the City...
Birmingham City continued their fine form of late last night picking up another three points to take their total of 'wins in a row' to a magnificent six in all competitons; this time against an in-form Leeds United side, after a tough battling performance from Chris Hughton’s men.
Blues found it hard to break down their opponents who were defending as a unit and looking to score on the break, and therefore created limited chances in what was an even opening to the game. The best chance of the game fell to Leeds’ Adam Clayton, who shot a powerful volley which looked to be going in until Boaz Myhill, on fine form of late, pulled off a magnificent save to keep the score at 0-0.
Leeds continued to press and looked to be a threat for Blues, but the resilient defence kept them at bay, and it was Blues who got the first, and only, goal of the game just ten minutes before half time. Stephen Carr’s cross found Nikola Zigic who controlled before slotting the ball into the net before running away in a relieved celebration. If ever there was a man who deserved to score after the chances he’s had of late, it was Zigic.
It was the home side who had the better of the game from then on. Chris Burke worked relentlessly down the right wing for the whole 90 minutes but his tireless work failed to produce another Blues goal, both substitute Chris Wood and Marlon King came close to doubling the advantage for Blues several times.
A late surge from Leeds meant the Blues faithful had to hold their breath, and a fine shot from Ross McCormack was expertly saved by Myhill who was determind to keep a clean sheet, and along with his defence, they made sure that Blues came away from the game with three points, a clean sheet and their sixth victory in a row in all competitions.
Not all victories in The Championship are straight forward or pretty to watch; last night was a match contested between two teams who will both be up there come the end of the season, and although Blues had to slug it out for the majority of the game, they got the win and that’s all that matters. Chris Hughton, you’ve done it again!
Full Time: BLUES 1-0 Leeds United
Goal Scorers: Zigic (35)
Star Man: Chris Burke; once again a tireless performance from the winger
Next Up: Brighton at home - Championship
Blues found it hard to break down their opponents who were defending as a unit and looking to score on the break, and therefore created limited chances in what was an even opening to the game. The best chance of the game fell to Leeds’ Adam Clayton, who shot a powerful volley which looked to be going in until Boaz Myhill, on fine form of late, pulled off a magnificent save to keep the score at 0-0.
Leeds continued to press and looked to be a threat for Blues, but the resilient defence kept them at bay, and it was Blues who got the first, and only, goal of the game just ten minutes before half time. Stephen Carr’s cross found Nikola Zigic who controlled before slotting the ball into the net before running away in a relieved celebration. If ever there was a man who deserved to score after the chances he’s had of late, it was Zigic.
It was the home side who had the better of the game from then on. Chris Burke worked relentlessly down the right wing for the whole 90 minutes but his tireless work failed to produce another Blues goal, both substitute Chris Wood and Marlon King came close to doubling the advantage for Blues several times.
A late surge from Leeds meant the Blues faithful had to hold their breath, and a fine shot from Ross McCormack was expertly saved by Myhill who was determind to keep a clean sheet, and along with his defence, they made sure that Blues came away from the game with three points, a clean sheet and their sixth victory in a row in all competitions.
Not all victories in The Championship are straight forward or pretty to watch; last night was a match contested between two teams who will both be up there come the end of the season, and although Blues had to slug it out for the majority of the game, they got the win and that’s all that matters. Chris Hughton, you’ve done it again!
Full Time: BLUES 1-0 Leeds United
Goal Scorers: Zigic (35)
Star Man: Chris Burke; once again a tireless performance from the winger
Next Up: Brighton at home - Championship
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Disappointing Displays
Having won our previous two home league games scoring four and conceding none, there was a right held by Blues fans to expect something of their team yesterday afternoon; but they certainly didn’t live up to such expectations.
From what I saw yesterday I can conclude that Barnsley are a good passing team and came with a purpose; sticking to it throughout, especially in the first half. They marked wingers Chris Burke and Nathan Redmond out the game, they closed down fast and held possession until they could break with force. However, at home we should be able to stop that. In short; we were poor. We couldn’t retain possession half as good as our counterparts could and for me that’s because of our midfield: we are missing a general. Someone like Barry Ferguson who can hold onto the ball and look for a pass, and someone who can keep the ball flowing across the midfield. The loan market should definitely be seen as an opportunity to bring this type of player in, because Jean Beausejour, winger by trade, and Jonathan Spector, who started his career as a right back, are clearly are not the answer to this problem.
But that wasn’t the only negative of the day. We just didn’t seem to get going, and nothing appeared to work for us. At one point in the second half Barsnely played a ball across a busy back-line and it landed at the feet of one of their players. It was one of those days where, if we had attempted that, it would have fell to a guy in a red shirt.
I don’t like to use the referee as a scapegoat, on the contrary; I have admitted how poor we were, but he didn’t help proceedings either. Mr Phillips’ incorrect decisions throughout the game, and his inability to stop play at the correct times frustrated the Blues fans further. It’s one thing watching an inept display for your team, but when the referee isn’t up to standard either, it’s a nightmare. I admire the job they do, because they get countless amounts of stick for it on and off the pitch (like I am doing here!) but they are trained to do a job and should be able to do it up to a suitable standard. Yesterday was far from suitable. Take Barnsley’s goal: the ball fell to David Murphy and The Tykes’ number eleven David Perkins slid in on Murphy who had to jump out the way to narrowly survive what could have been a leg breaking tackle. This meant the ball fell to Jacob Butterfield who, admittedly unchallenged by the rest of the Blues back-line, ran forward a yard or two and scored. A bad decision by the referee which was amongst many of the afternoon.
Likewise, it was an abject performance by players of Birmingham City as well, and up until the last fifteen or so minutes we just didn’t look like scoring. The introduction of Nikola Zigic as a second half substitute, one of the only positives of the game aside from the rescued point we picked up, made a definite change and linked up well with Marlon King. Zigic helped to set up the equalizer; heading down a ball in the area which was cleared out to the edge of the area, and Chris Burke, picking up the ball fired home a deflected shot which found its well into the back of the net and grabbed at least a point for Blues who were at that point in the ascendency.
King almost grabbed an undeserved winner moments later but saw his effort hit the inside of the post, but a point was all that Blues picked up after a disappointing home performance. Lying 16th in the table after seven games on eight points, it is true to say we have had a mixed start. Thus far we have won two, drawn two and lost two whilst playing some very entertaining football, scoring in every game we have played so far in the league, which Chris Hughton should be applauded for. I think now we should be just about finding our level which, at present, isn’t promotion. Fans’ expectations surely now must be lowered, and many are coming to terms with the fact it will be a struggle to get promoted this season. However that does not mean we should expect performances like yesterday’s, and hopefully there will be a big improvement the next time we play.
Full Time: BLUES 1-1 Barnsley
Goal Scorers: Butterfield (33) Burke (86)
Star Man: If I had to pick one I would go for David Murphy who never seems to put a foot wrong in a Blues shirt
Next Up: Maribor away - Europa League Group Stages
From what I saw yesterday I can conclude that Barnsley are a good passing team and came with a purpose; sticking to it throughout, especially in the first half. They marked wingers Chris Burke and Nathan Redmond out the game, they closed down fast and held possession until they could break with force. However, at home we should be able to stop that. In short; we were poor. We couldn’t retain possession half as good as our counterparts could and for me that’s because of our midfield: we are missing a general. Someone like Barry Ferguson who can hold onto the ball and look for a pass, and someone who can keep the ball flowing across the midfield. The loan market should definitely be seen as an opportunity to bring this type of player in, because Jean Beausejour, winger by trade, and Jonathan Spector, who started his career as a right back, are clearly are not the answer to this problem.
But that wasn’t the only negative of the day. We just didn’t seem to get going, and nothing appeared to work for us. At one point in the second half Barsnely played a ball across a busy back-line and it landed at the feet of one of their players. It was one of those days where, if we had attempted that, it would have fell to a guy in a red shirt.
I don’t like to use the referee as a scapegoat, on the contrary; I have admitted how poor we were, but he didn’t help proceedings either. Mr Phillips’ incorrect decisions throughout the game, and his inability to stop play at the correct times frustrated the Blues fans further. It’s one thing watching an inept display for your team, but when the referee isn’t up to standard either, it’s a nightmare. I admire the job they do, because they get countless amounts of stick for it on and off the pitch (like I am doing here!) but they are trained to do a job and should be able to do it up to a suitable standard. Yesterday was far from suitable. Take Barnsley’s goal: the ball fell to David Murphy and The Tykes’ number eleven David Perkins slid in on Murphy who had to jump out the way to narrowly survive what could have been a leg breaking tackle. This meant the ball fell to Jacob Butterfield who, admittedly unchallenged by the rest of the Blues back-line, ran forward a yard or two and scored. A bad decision by the referee which was amongst many of the afternoon.
Likewise, it was an abject performance by players of Birmingham City as well, and up until the last fifteen or so minutes we just didn’t look like scoring. The introduction of Nikola Zigic as a second half substitute, one of the only positives of the game aside from the rescued point we picked up, made a definite change and linked up well with Marlon King. Zigic helped to set up the equalizer; heading down a ball in the area which was cleared out to the edge of the area, and Chris Burke, picking up the ball fired home a deflected shot which found its well into the back of the net and grabbed at least a point for Blues who were at that point in the ascendency.
King almost grabbed an undeserved winner moments later but saw his effort hit the inside of the post, but a point was all that Blues picked up after a disappointing home performance. Lying 16th in the table after seven games on eight points, it is true to say we have had a mixed start. Thus far we have won two, drawn two and lost two whilst playing some very entertaining football, scoring in every game we have played so far in the league, which Chris Hughton should be applauded for. I think now we should be just about finding our level which, at present, isn’t promotion. Fans’ expectations surely now must be lowered, and many are coming to terms with the fact it will be a struggle to get promoted this season. However that does not mean we should expect performances like yesterday’s, and hopefully there will be a big improvement the next time we play.
Full Time: BLUES 1-1 Barnsley
Goal Scorers: Butterfield (33) Burke (86)
Star Man: If I had to pick one I would go for David Murphy who never seems to put a foot wrong in a Blues shirt
Next Up: Maribor away - Europa League Group Stages
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Thinking of Wembley
I think we should have guessed what the game would turn out like when kick off went wrong. Or when Newcastle went 1-0 up after a minute and forty seconds.. What really did it for me though, was when Stephen Carr nearly impaled someone sitting in the Family Stand when he angrily threw a pitch fork over the advertising hoardings. In short: tonight just wasn't our night.
Going one nil down so early on in the game is real confidence knock, especially to a team with one eye on Wembley and the other on not picking up any injuries. But after that early blip, we pretty much ran the rest of the first half. We had the majority of the possession and were getting in good places, but we just couldn't find that killer ball and we're lacking any form of shot on target. But then again, so were Newcastle, it was just lucky breaks and bad defending from Blues than got them their early goal that proved very costly for the home side, and very beneficial to the travelling Geordies.
The flag happy linesmen didn't really help the shots on target total though, who rose their arm pretty much every time Zigic went near the ball. Surely he's not that stupid to be offside that many times, but I guess we won't know until we see the game again... which I doubt many of us will be doing any time soon!
Obafemi Martins looked lively again like he did in the Stoke game at the weekend, but lacked the cutting edge. His control is brilliant though: if only Cameron Jerome had that touch! He seemed to overdo it at times too, much like team mate David Bentley, who strangely won man of the match. He wasn't at the races tonight and went missing at times during the first forty-five, and when he did get the ball, granted he put in some decent crosses and did some good running, but sometimes he just overdoes it and tries to do too many fancy turns: just get it in the box Bentley!
It was a pity the first half had to end, as Blues were the team in control and the team who shaded the half; despite lack of real chances as other than a Gardner shot after a nice passing move went just over, we didn't really have too much to shout about. The second half again started badly for Blues as they went two goals behind after a goal from Leon Best. One goal, we may have been able to do, but two seemed pretty impossible - and the rest of the game proved this.
Heads dropped as Newcastle began to seize the game into their control. Blues tried to get back into it but with no avail. Roger Johnson almost did a Wayne Rooney when the ball fell to him just outside the area but it fell agonisingly wide of the post, and the defender walked away to chants of 'Rooney! Rooney!' from the Tilton. Zigic also came close a number of times, especially with a header that went just over the bar, and Roger Johnson again came close when he headed the ball hard from a corner, only for his effort to fall straight to Harper in the Newcastle goal.
With 20 minutes to go Blues began to surge forward more, with Cameron Jerome - who came on earlier in the half in place of Martins - causing problems. A few corners, offsides and Newcastle falls (over thin air) later, and it seemed that two goals from the home side really was too much to ask, and the game finished 0-2 to the away side - only the third home defeat all season for Blues.
The Premier League can be pushed to one side for a moment now as we have the FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, and a Wembley date the Sunday after. Nothing really went our way tonight and credit where its due - Newcastle simply wanted it more than we did, although we had enough possession to create, we just didn't.
Full Time: Birmingham City 0-2 Newcastle United
Going one nil down so early on in the game is real confidence knock, especially to a team with one eye on Wembley and the other on not picking up any injuries. But after that early blip, we pretty much ran the rest of the first half. We had the majority of the possession and were getting in good places, but we just couldn't find that killer ball and we're lacking any form of shot on target. But then again, so were Newcastle, it was just lucky breaks and bad defending from Blues than got them their early goal that proved very costly for the home side, and very beneficial to the travelling Geordies.
The flag happy linesmen didn't really help the shots on target total though, who rose their arm pretty much every time Zigic went near the ball. Surely he's not that stupid to be offside that many times, but I guess we won't know until we see the game again... which I doubt many of us will be doing any time soon!
Obafemi Martins looked lively again like he did in the Stoke game at the weekend, but lacked the cutting edge. His control is brilliant though: if only Cameron Jerome had that touch! He seemed to overdo it at times too, much like team mate David Bentley, who strangely won man of the match. He wasn't at the races tonight and went missing at times during the first forty-five, and when he did get the ball, granted he put in some decent crosses and did some good running, but sometimes he just overdoes it and tries to do too many fancy turns: just get it in the box Bentley!
It was a pity the first half had to end, as Blues were the team in control and the team who shaded the half; despite lack of real chances as other than a Gardner shot after a nice passing move went just over, we didn't really have too much to shout about. The second half again started badly for Blues as they went two goals behind after a goal from Leon Best. One goal, we may have been able to do, but two seemed pretty impossible - and the rest of the game proved this.
Heads dropped as Newcastle began to seize the game into their control. Blues tried to get back into it but with no avail. Roger Johnson almost did a Wayne Rooney when the ball fell to him just outside the area but it fell agonisingly wide of the post, and the defender walked away to chants of 'Rooney! Rooney!' from the Tilton. Zigic also came close a number of times, especially with a header that went just over the bar, and Roger Johnson again came close when he headed the ball hard from a corner, only for his effort to fall straight to Harper in the Newcastle goal.
With 20 minutes to go Blues began to surge forward more, with Cameron Jerome - who came on earlier in the half in place of Martins - causing problems. A few corners, offsides and Newcastle falls (over thin air) later, and it seemed that two goals from the home side really was too much to ask, and the game finished 0-2 to the away side - only the third home defeat all season for Blues.
The Premier League can be pushed to one side for a moment now as we have the FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, and a Wembley date the Sunday after. Nothing really went our way tonight and credit where its due - Newcastle simply wanted it more than we did, although we had enough possession to create, we just didn't.
Winning three on the bounce just isn't our thing anyway...
Full Time: Birmingham City 0-2 Newcastle UnitedSaturday, 12 February 2011
Back to back wins!
It wasn't exactly the most inspiring performance, but true to the battling Blues spirit, we kept on going and clinched an important goal and a great win right at the death. At this point in the season, it doesn't matter how the wins come - just that they keep on coming.
It's always going to be hard when you play Stoke. They're a physical team which consists of hardly any players below 6ft, but as much as people moan about their style of play, it works for them. It's certainly not pretty, but I guess you could say it's effective, and this made for a pretty poor game of football.
Blues lined up 4-4-2 looking for a second win on the bounce after last weeks gritty away win at West Ham, and débutante Obafemi Martins partnered Zigic up front. Martins was pretty quiet throughout the first half, although the touches he did make were superb, with some neat little back heals that came off every time. Getting into great positions he looks a promising striker and a good option for us, although he is muscled off the ball quite easily - but you couldn't tell whether he was going down easily or if it was Stoke being Stoke.
Another player who impressed throughout the game was Seb Larsson. He's not exactly been people's favourite the past few weeks, but today he was on another level. He went for everything, chased balls that looked like a lost cause and won the ball, did some great running down the wing and all in all he was brilliant. If I was wearing a hat I would be taking it off for him right now.
Neither team created too much and it was a poor game. Mark Halsey seemed to follow the trend as he too had a bad game, which arguably made a poor game even worse by his questionable officiating. Amongst other decisions that didn't go our way, the stand out one has to be Huth's handball in the second half, which everyone in the ground seemed to see except Halsey and his linesmen.
However, there is no use just bemoaning the referee. Blues just couldn't play their way today - no thanks to Stoke - despite a good attacking formation made up of the best players we have fit at the moment. We weren't awful though; no way. We coped well with Stoke's long-throw and hooooooof tactics but we just simply couldn't get hold of the ball, and when we did, silly errors or misplaced passes were our downfall.
Games like today's need inspiring substitutions, or substitutions that will give you a different outlet: step up Cameron Jerome. He did great when he came on for Martins and hopefully silenced a few of his haters. Like Larsson, he must of had his Weetabix before the game as he was chasing everything down and winning balls as soon as he came on, and played a big part in the last minute winner as well.
With only a couple of minutes left on the clock, Blues won a free kick just over the half way line which Barry Ferguson stepped up to take. Stoke were all expecting him to lump it into the area for the likes of Zigic, Johnson and Jerome, but Bentley made a cheeky little run down the wing which not many anticipated, and ran on for a shot at goal which was saved by Begovic. Jerome did brilliantly to get the ball away from the grasp of the Stoke goalkeeper and chipped it, only for it to be desperately clawed by Begovic into the path of Zigic who had the easy task of guiding it into the net in front of him.
The resilient defending and never say die attitude really helped Blues today. It wasn't the best game to watch and it certainly won't be remembered this time next year, but it was an important win and a massive three points that saw us go 14th on the table, level on points with Villa and Blackpool - and just above them too with out good goal difference.
Full Time: Birmingham City 1-0 Stoke City
It's always going to be hard when you play Stoke. They're a physical team which consists of hardly any players below 6ft, but as much as people moan about their style of play, it works for them. It's certainly not pretty, but I guess you could say it's effective, and this made for a pretty poor game of football.
Blues lined up 4-4-2 looking for a second win on the bounce after last weeks gritty away win at West Ham, and débutante Obafemi Martins partnered Zigic up front. Martins was pretty quiet throughout the first half, although the touches he did make were superb, with some neat little back heals that came off every time. Getting into great positions he looks a promising striker and a good option for us, although he is muscled off the ball quite easily - but you couldn't tell whether he was going down easily or if it was Stoke being Stoke.
Another player who impressed throughout the game was Seb Larsson. He's not exactly been people's favourite the past few weeks, but today he was on another level. He went for everything, chased balls that looked like a lost cause and won the ball, did some great running down the wing and all in all he was brilliant. If I was wearing a hat I would be taking it off for him right now.
Neither team created too much and it was a poor game. Mark Halsey seemed to follow the trend as he too had a bad game, which arguably made a poor game even worse by his questionable officiating. Amongst other decisions that didn't go our way, the stand out one has to be Huth's handball in the second half, which everyone in the ground seemed to see except Halsey and his linesmen.
However, there is no use just bemoaning the referee. Blues just couldn't play their way today - no thanks to Stoke - despite a good attacking formation made up of the best players we have fit at the moment. We weren't awful though; no way. We coped well with Stoke's long-throw and hooooooof tactics but we just simply couldn't get hold of the ball, and when we did, silly errors or misplaced passes were our downfall.
Games like today's need inspiring substitutions, or substitutions that will give you a different outlet: step up Cameron Jerome. He did great when he came on for Martins and hopefully silenced a few of his haters. Like Larsson, he must of had his Weetabix before the game as he was chasing everything down and winning balls as soon as he came on, and played a big part in the last minute winner as well.
With only a couple of minutes left on the clock, Blues won a free kick just over the half way line which Barry Ferguson stepped up to take. Stoke were all expecting him to lump it into the area for the likes of Zigic, Johnson and Jerome, but Bentley made a cheeky little run down the wing which not many anticipated, and ran on for a shot at goal which was saved by Begovic. Jerome did brilliantly to get the ball away from the grasp of the Stoke goalkeeper and chipped it, only for it to be desperately clawed by Begovic into the path of Zigic who had the easy task of guiding it into the net in front of him.
The resilient defending and never say die attitude really helped Blues today. It wasn't the best game to watch and it certainly won't be remembered this time next year, but it was an important win and a massive three points that saw us go 14th on the table, level on points with Villa and Blackpool - and just above them too with out good goal difference.
Full Time: Birmingham City 1-0 Stoke CitySunday, 6 February 2011
Not the prettiest, but we don't care
Right now none of us care how the points come. It'd be nice to secure them in a superb attacking fashion, but we're in a relegation battle; not a Europa League push. Right now, a goal is a goal and a win is a win - however they may come - and today was a very big win indeed.
In a real relegation 6 pointer after Wolves and Wigan winning yesterday, the aim of today was simple for both teams: win. Both teams therefore started quite edgy and nervous, neither side willing to sacrifice too many men going forward in fear of being cut open at the back, but at the same time neither wanted to play too defensive, so both managers opted for a strong 4-4-2 formation.
It was West Ham who enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, which was the be expected from a Blues point of view. However both teams had their fair share of chances, with Victor Obinna looking lively yet again for the Hammers and Bentley working his magic down the wing, but neither really got any clear cut chances for their side. The home side had the better of the chances, but great defensive work for Blues yet again, especially from Roger Johnson (are you watching Fabio?) kept the away side level going into half time, after West Ham had edged the first forty-five.
With inspiring second half performances from the last few games, Blues were looking to do the same again in the second half of this game, and started fairly brightly. It was still an end to end encounter though, and both teams were desperately trying to find an opening.
Seeing more of the game now, Blues came close with Zigic heading just wide at the far post, and that was enough for McLeish to decide to change things. He took off Jerome - who still looks less than match fit - and brought on Sebastian Larsson. And that proved to be the tuning moment of the game. The Swede looked incredibly lively when he came on, and moments after the inspired substitution came the break through. Blues were awarded to free-kicks in succession, and the second proved to be the most costly for West ham, as the substitute Larsson whipped in a brilliant ball which was headed in from a couple of yards out by Zigic for Birmingham to take the lead.
The crowed grew anxious and it was a nervy last 20 minutes for both teams; Blues not wanting to squander their lead, and West ham not wanting to concede another. The home side threw plenty at Blues in the closing stages, with ineffective strike pair Piquionne and Keane coming off to be replaced by goal-poacher Carlton Cole and new boy Demba Ba, they were aching for an equaliser. And Ba almost made an instant impact, hitting the post after the ball had gone loose in the area.
But Blues stood strong and managed to hold on to an important victory, which took them out of the relegation zone. It wasn't the prettiest of games, it was a real nervous encounter between two teams desperate for points. But Blues showed character and prevailed, and got the much needed three points with only their second away win of the season.
p next we have three winnable home games against Stoke, Newcastle and manager-less West Brom, and sandwiched between those games are the FA Cup game and the small matter of a Carling Cup final to contend with. But pack St. Andrews out, get behind the boys because we can really push on and stay up now. Keep Right On!
Full Time: West Ham United 0-1 Birmingham City
In a real relegation 6 pointer after Wolves and Wigan winning yesterday, the aim of today was simple for both teams: win. Both teams therefore started quite edgy and nervous, neither side willing to sacrifice too many men going forward in fear of being cut open at the back, but at the same time neither wanted to play too defensive, so both managers opted for a strong 4-4-2 formation.
It was West Ham who enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, which was the be expected from a Blues point of view. However both teams had their fair share of chances, with Victor Obinna looking lively yet again for the Hammers and Bentley working his magic down the wing, but neither really got any clear cut chances for their side. The home side had the better of the chances, but great defensive work for Blues yet again, especially from Roger Johnson (are you watching Fabio?) kept the away side level going into half time, after West Ham had edged the first forty-five.
With inspiring second half performances from the last few games, Blues were looking to do the same again in the second half of this game, and started fairly brightly. It was still an end to end encounter though, and both teams were desperately trying to find an opening.
Seeing more of the game now, Blues came close with Zigic heading just wide at the far post, and that was enough for McLeish to decide to change things. He took off Jerome - who still looks less than match fit - and brought on Sebastian Larsson. And that proved to be the tuning moment of the game. The Swede looked incredibly lively when he came on, and moments after the inspired substitution came the break through. Blues were awarded to free-kicks in succession, and the second proved to be the most costly for West ham, as the substitute Larsson whipped in a brilliant ball which was headed in from a couple of yards out by Zigic for Birmingham to take the lead.
The crowed grew anxious and it was a nervy last 20 minutes for both teams; Blues not wanting to squander their lead, and West ham not wanting to concede another. The home side threw plenty at Blues in the closing stages, with ineffective strike pair Piquionne and Keane coming off to be replaced by goal-poacher Carlton Cole and new boy Demba Ba, they were aching for an equaliser. And Ba almost made an instant impact, hitting the post after the ball had gone loose in the area.
But Blues stood strong and managed to hold on to an important victory, which took them out of the relegation zone. It wasn't the prettiest of games, it was a real nervous encounter between two teams desperate for points. But Blues showed character and prevailed, and got the much needed three points with only their second away win of the season.
p next we have three winnable home games against Stoke, Newcastle and manager-less West Brom, and sandwiched between those games are the FA Cup game and the small matter of a Carling Cup final to contend with. But pack St. Andrews out, get behind the boys because we can really push on and stay up now. Keep Right On!
Full Time: West Ham United 0-1 Birmingham CityWednesday, 2 February 2011
Goal scoring issues: resolved
Our problem is scoring goals and that's been our problem for a while now. However in the two games prior to this match we'd actually scored six goals in total, playing the fan-favoured 4-4-2 formation, as a posed to scoring one or maybe even two if we were lucky playing Alex's preferred 4-5-1 layout. Sometimes, the more defensive option is needed, but sometimes; the fans are right. Most of us would rather lose 2 or 3 nil trying to win a game and going all out, than being really defensive all game and just losing 1-0.
Tonight wasn't much different. We set out in a 4-4-2 formation up against Manchester City's tremendous attacking line-up of 4-3-3, with Silva, Tevez and Dzeko all starting up front. Scary, but nothing should phase Blues nowadays. Unfortunately though, we let Man City get a very slopping goal in the first few minutes coutosy of Carlos Tevez and some sloppy defending. The one thing you don't do is let Silva and Tevez have their own way, and we did just that, and left only ourselves to blame.
Never to be shot down though, we kept going at it, and eventually got the equaliser through Nikola Zigic, who had looked lively all game. After coming close with an excellent but casual volley minutes before, Zigic took advantage of some questionable Man City defending from a Bentley free-kick and slide the ball through Joe Hart's legs to put the Blues on level terms.
In between Zigic's chance and Zigic's goal was a heart stopping moment: Barry Ferguson turned and fell to the ground in agony. From where I was sitting I could see the pain on his face, and it did not look good. The whole ground as one watched with their heart in their mouths and their head thinking about the Carling Cup final and relegation battle, and watched on as Sir Barry eventually rose to his feet, limping slightly, to carry on with the game. Relief all round.
There was another, more serious, injury later on in that half which saw seven minutes added time. Micah Richards and Nigel De Jong collided, leaving Richards out on the floor with a scary head injury, and was stretchered off with Kolo Toure coming on to replace him.
After playing well Blues were again the masters of their own downfall, conceding a free-kick right on the edge of the area. I said before Kolarov took it that he would score. I was right, and he did score. The wall wasn't strong enough for his bullet of a shot and we should have been aware of that. So we had to do it all over again in the second half, yet again!
If we started the first half in the same way we started the second half we would be laughing. Not for the first time we came straight out the blocks and went for it. Bentley and Carr were a joy to watch down the right hand side and an equalising goal came agonisingly close a number of times. Kevin Phillips came on to save the day again, and gave a little helping hand towards the goal by winning a penalty.
When I first saw it, I thought we were lucky but after seeing replays you can see why the referee gave it. Add that to the fact we've had some complete stonewallers turned down this season, not I nor any other Bluenose cared about the nature in which we were awarded this penalty. Joe Hart did his usual distracting techniques but Craig Gardner gave him the eyes and blasted it down the middle to equalise. After that, we honestly could have gone on to win it, but City came so close at the death with yet another free-kick from Kolarov who shot just inches wide.
Also, it was great to see England's number two back at St. Andrews last night. He came, he conceded, he danced. And he also left with a black eye! There's only one Joe Hart!
Full Time: Birmingham City 2-2 Manchester City
Tonight wasn't much different. We set out in a 4-4-2 formation up against Manchester City's tremendous attacking line-up of 4-3-3, with Silva, Tevez and Dzeko all starting up front. Scary, but nothing should phase Blues nowadays. Unfortunately though, we let Man City get a very slopping goal in the first few minutes coutosy of Carlos Tevez and some sloppy defending. The one thing you don't do is let Silva and Tevez have their own way, and we did just that, and left only ourselves to blame.
Never to be shot down though, we kept going at it, and eventually got the equaliser through Nikola Zigic, who had looked lively all game. After coming close with an excellent but casual volley minutes before, Zigic took advantage of some questionable Man City defending from a Bentley free-kick and slide the ball through Joe Hart's legs to put the Blues on level terms.
In between Zigic's chance and Zigic's goal was a heart stopping moment: Barry Ferguson turned and fell to the ground in agony. From where I was sitting I could see the pain on his face, and it did not look good. The whole ground as one watched with their heart in their mouths and their head thinking about the Carling Cup final and relegation battle, and watched on as Sir Barry eventually rose to his feet, limping slightly, to carry on with the game. Relief all round.
There was another, more serious, injury later on in that half which saw seven minutes added time. Micah Richards and Nigel De Jong collided, leaving Richards out on the floor with a scary head injury, and was stretchered off with Kolo Toure coming on to replace him.
After playing well Blues were again the masters of their own downfall, conceding a free-kick right on the edge of the area. I said before Kolarov took it that he would score. I was right, and he did score. The wall wasn't strong enough for his bullet of a shot and we should have been aware of that. So we had to do it all over again in the second half, yet again!
If we started the first half in the same way we started the second half we would be laughing. Not for the first time we came straight out the blocks and went for it. Bentley and Carr were a joy to watch down the right hand side and an equalising goal came agonisingly close a number of times. Kevin Phillips came on to save the day again, and gave a little helping hand towards the goal by winning a penalty.
When I first saw it, I thought we were lucky but after seeing replays you can see why the referee gave it. Add that to the fact we've had some complete stonewallers turned down this season, not I nor any other Bluenose cared about the nature in which we were awarded this penalty. Joe Hart did his usual distracting techniques but Craig Gardner gave him the eyes and blasted it down the middle to equalise. After that, we honestly could have gone on to win it, but City came so close at the death with yet another free-kick from Kolarov who shot just inches wide.
Also, it was great to see England's number two back at St. Andrews last night. He came, he conceded, he danced. And he also left with a black eye! There's only one Joe Hart!
In the end it was a great result and a good game, which either team could have won in the end. From our point of view it was a great point, and we'll take that performance and the two that came before it into Sundays 'six pointer.' And hey, we score goals now! What's there to worry about...
Full Time: Birmingham City 2-2 Manchester CityFootnote:
Thumbs up top the guy who jokingly shook the hand of every steward in front of block 6.
Thumbs down to the snatch squad who fronted up to him and frog marched him out.
Thumbs up top the guy who jokingly shook the hand of every steward in front of block 6.
Thumbs down to the snatch squad who fronted up to him and frog marched him out.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
A little bit of luck and a lot of character
Handball? Maybe. Foul? Could have been. Offside? Possibly. Absolutely brilliant? Yes yes and yes again. Once again our never say die attitude and not knowing when to give up paid off, and we got a really, really big point tonight.
With the irony of Manchester United fans labelling us cheats, I've found it hard to construct thoughts into a proper blog post because I'm laughing so much. It really is brilliant isn't it; in fact if it was offside, it it was a foul and if it was handball, I'm glad. Actually, I hope it was all of them because it would make it even funnier. I think they call it karma...
I wouldn't say either team truly 'deserved' anything but really no one 'deserves' anything out of a game unless they play the other team off the park. Man United started well, which was to be expected; even as the home team you have to expect a team like United to come at you. But Blues didn't just gift United the ball and let them do what they pleased with it, those players actually fought for the ball and for each other, and didn't stop until the final whistle - something which was missing from the previous game against Wolves.
In fact, everything that was missing in the blip in the previous game was back again. The desire was clear in all the players and they stepped their game up a notch, like we always do when the big boys come to town. Ben Foster had a little something to prove after not having the best of times at Man United; and with a few good saves and a solid performance, he left the field with a smug smile on his face.
The Blues defence were again rock solid, and the only times they were torn apart were for Berbatov's goal and for a spell after United's goal when they had the stuffing knocked out of them a little. Other than that, it was akin to the shut out against Chelsea a few weeks ago, with Roger Johnson and Scott Dann winning plenty of balls in the air, coping well with an off the pace Wayne Rooney, and Ridgewell and Carr doing a superb job too.
The midfield really gave it their all, and Bluenose Craig Gardner could have even given his team the lead in the second half, when a short corner was played back to Bowyer, whose blocked shot found Gardner but he could only manage a shot straight at Van Der Sar. Barry Ferguson ran the show again and picked up man of the match, which is getting quite boring now actually! He drives the team forward and will pick out a pass no one else could see, as well as picking out the easy passes to keep the game flowing, in short, he's just brilliant. Jean Beausejour also known as Dave - for ease - got a start, and had a great game. He's someone we need: a player that can beat a man, a player with pace, and a player with a good cross on him, and hopefully last night gave him a bit of practise. I was impressed.
Although Berbatov's goal knocked it out of Blues a little, you can't fault their attitude. Heads dropped a little, but the desire was still there and those players kept on pushing until the final whistle, where they got a reward for all their hard graft; and we have Roger Johnson, Nikola Zigic, Lee Bowyer and a little bit of luck to thank for that.
Maybe it was handball, it could have been a foul leading up to the goal, and it probably was offside, but throughout the game I was thinking "are we ever going to get any luck?" and we may have go tit in the 89th minute... and about bloody time too.
With another big game against a top team Saturday, a repeat of this performance wouldn't go amiss, and after all; anything can happen at St. Andrews (maybe sometimes with a little bit of help from the officials).
Full Time: Birmingham Ciy 1-1 Manchester United
With the irony of Manchester United fans labelling us cheats, I've found it hard to construct thoughts into a proper blog post because I'm laughing so much. It really is brilliant isn't it; in fact if it was offside, it it was a foul and if it was handball, I'm glad. Actually, I hope it was all of them because it would make it even funnier. I think they call it karma...
I wouldn't say either team truly 'deserved' anything but really no one 'deserves' anything out of a game unless they play the other team off the park. Man United started well, which was to be expected; even as the home team you have to expect a team like United to come at you. But Blues didn't just gift United the ball and let them do what they pleased with it, those players actually fought for the ball and for each other, and didn't stop until the final whistle - something which was missing from the previous game against Wolves.
In fact, everything that was missing in the blip in the previous game was back again. The desire was clear in all the players and they stepped their game up a notch, like we always do when the big boys come to town. Ben Foster had a little something to prove after not having the best of times at Man United; and with a few good saves and a solid performance, he left the field with a smug smile on his face.
The Blues defence were again rock solid, and the only times they were torn apart were for Berbatov's goal and for a spell after United's goal when they had the stuffing knocked out of them a little. Other than that, it was akin to the shut out against Chelsea a few weeks ago, with Roger Johnson and Scott Dann winning plenty of balls in the air, coping well with an off the pace Wayne Rooney, and Ridgewell and Carr doing a superb job too.
The midfield really gave it their all, and Bluenose Craig Gardner could have even given his team the lead in the second half, when a short corner was played back to Bowyer, whose blocked shot found Gardner but he could only manage a shot straight at Van Der Sar. Barry Ferguson ran the show again and picked up man of the match, which is getting quite boring now actually! He drives the team forward and will pick out a pass no one else could see, as well as picking out the easy passes to keep the game flowing, in short, he's just brilliant. Jean Beausejour also known as Dave - for ease - got a start, and had a great game. He's someone we need: a player that can beat a man, a player with pace, and a player with a good cross on him, and hopefully last night gave him a bit of practise. I was impressed.
Although Berbatov's goal knocked it out of Blues a little, you can't fault their attitude. Heads dropped a little, but the desire was still there and those players kept on pushing until the final whistle, where they got a reward for all their hard graft; and we have Roger Johnson, Nikola Zigic, Lee Bowyer and a little bit of luck to thank for that.
Maybe it was handball, it could have been a foul leading up to the goal, and it probably was offside, but throughout the game I was thinking "are we ever going to get any luck?" and we may have go tit in the 89th minute... and about bloody time too.
With another big game against a top team Saturday, a repeat of this performance wouldn't go amiss, and after all; anything can happen at St. Andrews (maybe sometimes with a little bit of help from the officials).
Full Time: Birmingham Ciy 1-1 Manchester UnitedWednesday, 1 December 2010
The City Is Ours
That took a while didn't it? Too long if you ask me. I'd almost forgot what it felt like to beat them, but I was sliftly reminded just how good it feels. Even the day after; the gloating, the smile on your face, the holding your head high, the banter with the Villa fans and the look on their faces as they realise there's nothing they can say back to you. We did it.
A full St. Andrews witnessed a, not brilliant, but definitely resilient Blues performance last night. It was a great game and definitely a great way to show everyone what Midlands football is all about (minus the scenes at the end of the match, but we'll come to that mini rant later).
The first goal in any derby game is always crucial, and luckily enough we got it through a great Seb Larsson penalty - low, hard, sent the keeper the wrong way and most importantly found the back of the net. 1-0 Blues, absolutely brilliant. The place went mental, the crowd erupted and the noise was deafening.
Some time later we scored a second, only to be denied by the 'interfering with play rule.' This is one thing the FA need to clarify. It's such a fancy rule no one knows what's going on any more: in my opinion it should be changed to if you're offside, you're offside. That way no one gets confused and teams aren't helped or hindered by decisions.
In a quick change of events, Villa equalised through a man whose name does not deserve a place on my blog and I will not give him it either. There's not many people I could say I hate, in fact there's only two things: Aston Villa and that man.
I wouldn't say we were the best team in the game: for large parts of the game I was convinced Villa were going to win it. I was preparing myself for another heartbreak; for another let down; for another miserable trek back home in the snow. But this time it was our time. It was our night and it was our turn to show people how we do it. And we did.
In the derbies last season, it was Villa who killed our dreams. It was Villa who scored in the closing minutes of the game to deny us any chance of a comeback; but this time the tables were turned. Jerome fed a ball in the air to Zigic who, challenged, looped the ball over Friedel who couldn't save it. Zigic: relieved, Blues: ecstatic, Villa: crushed. The fatal blow had been dealt by the team who had had to endure all the taunts over the years, and that's why the victory wasn't just a victory: it was such a sweet, sweet moment that no one will forget in a hurry.
I am extremely proud of what Blues did, and I find it unfortunate that a minority marred it for the majority. I do not in any way condone the Blues fans that ran over to the Villa fans to taunt them and sing at them: but I do understand why. It's hard to put a fan of another club in the shoes of a Blues fan, but if you ask us kindly enough we'll all tell you how they Villa fans have made us feel over the years, and how much they've mocked us. It was our turn. Maybe the fans didn't go about it in the right way, but they were blinded by the fact we'd just beat our local rivals for the first time in years.
Now onto the more serious stuff: the flares. I find it amusing how the media labelled Birmingham as the flare throwiers and the chair chuckers. I watched the scenes unfold, and I watched the first flarwes being thron by Villa fans (who later admitted it was them who brought them - case closed) and I watched them rip up seats and throw them. Not that i condone Blues throwing them back - both fans are as bad as each other in my opinion - but I'm fed up of the media blaming it all on Birmingham because of our past.
Also what I found hilarious and not even wroth defending, was the fact we were blamed for not getting the World Cup in 2018. Brilliant. That is class. Us Blues and Villa fans have been making jokes all day about it - because it really is brilliant, isn't it? Lets ignore everything else wrong with the country and pinpoint one incident that happened the night before the announcement, when a lot of people had already confided to the fact Russia were probably going to win it. Genius. The Midlands derby? The perfect scapegoat.
I don't want it to mar what was a great victory, but the facts need to be said and the people on England need to move on with their lives. The most important thing to come from yesterday was the fact we beat our local rivals and we're now two games from Wembley, and for me, that's the only thing that matters right now.
Full Time: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
A full St. Andrews witnessed a, not brilliant, but definitely resilient Blues performance last night. It was a great game and definitely a great way to show everyone what Midlands football is all about (minus the scenes at the end of the match, but we'll come to that mini rant later).
The first goal in any derby game is always crucial, and luckily enough we got it through a great Seb Larsson penalty - low, hard, sent the keeper the wrong way and most importantly found the back of the net. 1-0 Blues, absolutely brilliant. The place went mental, the crowd erupted and the noise was deafening.
Some time later we scored a second, only to be denied by the 'interfering with play rule.' This is one thing the FA need to clarify. It's such a fancy rule no one knows what's going on any more: in my opinion it should be changed to if you're offside, you're offside. That way no one gets confused and teams aren't helped or hindered by decisions.
In a quick change of events, Villa equalised through a man whose name does not deserve a place on my blog and I will not give him it either. There's not many people I could say I hate, in fact there's only two things: Aston Villa and that man.
I wouldn't say we were the best team in the game: for large parts of the game I was convinced Villa were going to win it. I was preparing myself for another heartbreak; for another let down; for another miserable trek back home in the snow. But this time it was our time. It was our night and it was our turn to show people how we do it. And we did.
In the derbies last season, it was Villa who killed our dreams. It was Villa who scored in the closing minutes of the game to deny us any chance of a comeback; but this time the tables were turned. Jerome fed a ball in the air to Zigic who, challenged, looped the ball over Friedel who couldn't save it. Zigic: relieved, Blues: ecstatic, Villa: crushed. The fatal blow had been dealt by the team who had had to endure all the taunts over the years, and that's why the victory wasn't just a victory: it was such a sweet, sweet moment that no one will forget in a hurry.
I am extremely proud of what Blues did, and I find it unfortunate that a minority marred it for the majority. I do not in any way condone the Blues fans that ran over to the Villa fans to taunt them and sing at them: but I do understand why. It's hard to put a fan of another club in the shoes of a Blues fan, but if you ask us kindly enough we'll all tell you how they Villa fans have made us feel over the years, and how much they've mocked us. It was our turn. Maybe the fans didn't go about it in the right way, but they were blinded by the fact we'd just beat our local rivals for the first time in years.
Now onto the more serious stuff: the flares. I find it amusing how the media labelled Birmingham as the flare throwiers and the chair chuckers. I watched the scenes unfold, and I watched the first flarwes being thron by Villa fans (who later admitted it was them who brought them - case closed) and I watched them rip up seats and throw them. Not that i condone Blues throwing them back - both fans are as bad as each other in my opinion - but I'm fed up of the media blaming it all on Birmingham because of our past.
Also what I found hilarious and not even wroth defending, was the fact we were blamed for not getting the World Cup in 2018. Brilliant. That is class. Us Blues and Villa fans have been making jokes all day about it - because it really is brilliant, isn't it? Lets ignore everything else wrong with the country and pinpoint one incident that happened the night before the announcement, when a lot of people had already confided to the fact Russia were probably going to win it. Genius. The Midlands derby? The perfect scapegoat.
I don't want it to mar what was a great victory, but the facts need to be said and the people on England need to move on with their lives. The most important thing to come from yesterday was the fact we beat our local rivals and we're now two games from Wembley, and for me, that's the only thing that matters right now.
Full Time: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston VillaSunday, 31 October 2010
Honours Even
For Blues, it was a chance to beat their nearest, but certainly not dearest, rivals for the first time in six attempts. For Villa, it was a change to make it '7-in-a-row'. And for both teams, it was the first derby game of the season.
Blues kept the same formation that saw them beat Blackpool in the previous Premier League game, whilst Villa - the home side - opted for a negative 4-5-1 shut out. We all really should have seen what would happen in the next 90 minutes coming.
The game started off at a high tempo, but as it got further and further into the game, Sky were probably breathing a sigh of relief that they had not paid to air the game - (especially upon seeing the full time result of the tyne-wear derby!) For Blues and Villa fans alike, it was a game full of tension, but for the neutrals, it was pretty boring. Neither team had too many clear cut chances, and with the home side shaping up to actually play for a draw, it was pretty disappointing in itself.
To saw Blues shaded the first half would probably be a correct statement. Neither team really created much, which was the story of the game, however Blues pressured much more in the first forty-five minutes, and the home side didn't even have a shot of target, which really speaks volumes.
A derby game isn't a derby game without a controversial decision, and the closest the game came to controversy was near the end of the first half, when Nigel Reo-Coker - who by the end of the game could consider himself a lucky little boy to still be on the pitch - appeared to handle the ball in the area, after some suspect 'controlling' of the ball. No penalty was awarded, and not many Blues players staked a claim for a penalty, but on reply is does look like the Villa player handled the ball.
The second half was not controlled by one team in particular, but you could say Villa had the better of it. Nigel Reo-Coker subsequently got booked, and also injured Roger Johnson, giving him idiot status amongst the Birmingham fans - and of course, like the true soldier he is, Roger battled on to see the game out.
It seemed like there was too much at stake for either team to really go for it - the ones to make the first move were Blues, by bringing Cameron Jerome on to go 4-4-2, who made an immediate impact, bursting down the wing to almost sneak the ball past Brad Friedel. Some time later and Villa played their card: John Carew - who is apparently bigger than me and you (but not as big as Nikola Zigic) - who pretty much did nothing but win one header. Trump card made... trump card failed. Blues nearly won it at the death, but Nikola Zigic couldn't get the ball past Brad Friedel, and the game finished 0-0 - with Villa fans sneaking out the ground, and a small number booing. And they say they're not fickle.
For Blues, it was a relief not to lose and a relief that they stopped their neighbours getting 'the magnificent 7' victories on the bounce. But what also came out of that game for them, was pride. For 90 minutes, they stood toe to toe with their rivals who proclaim themselves as far superior, however after that showing, you can tell that the gap between the clubs is not as far as some Villa fans would lead you to believe.
For Villa, it was a disappointing result, which although they didn't lose, being at home and playing as poorly and negatively as they did, they will not be a happy bunch tonight. It was 0-0 today, but the deadlock must be broken in the Carling Cup, where the two teams meet at St. Andrews in pretty much exactly a months time. And Blues are ready now. Believe me.
It would've been nice to see Craig Gardner reeling off in celebration in front of the Holte End in the 93rd minute, but, i'll settle for a point. And that's what we got.
Full Time: Aston Villa 0-0 Birmingham City
Blues kept the same formation that saw them beat Blackpool in the previous Premier League game, whilst Villa - the home side - opted for a negative 4-5-1 shut out. We all really should have seen what would happen in the next 90 minutes coming.
The game started off at a high tempo, but as it got further and further into the game, Sky were probably breathing a sigh of relief that they had not paid to air the game - (especially upon seeing the full time result of the tyne-wear derby!) For Blues and Villa fans alike, it was a game full of tension, but for the neutrals, it was pretty boring. Neither team had too many clear cut chances, and with the home side shaping up to actually play for a draw, it was pretty disappointing in itself.
To saw Blues shaded the first half would probably be a correct statement. Neither team really created much, which was the story of the game, however Blues pressured much more in the first forty-five minutes, and the home side didn't even have a shot of target, which really speaks volumes.
A derby game isn't a derby game without a controversial decision, and the closest the game came to controversy was near the end of the first half, when Nigel Reo-Coker - who by the end of the game could consider himself a lucky little boy to still be on the pitch - appeared to handle the ball in the area, after some suspect 'controlling' of the ball. No penalty was awarded, and not many Blues players staked a claim for a penalty, but on reply is does look like the Villa player handled the ball.
The second half was not controlled by one team in particular, but you could say Villa had the better of it. Nigel Reo-Coker subsequently got booked, and also injured Roger Johnson, giving him idiot status amongst the Birmingham fans - and of course, like the true soldier he is, Roger battled on to see the game out.
It seemed like there was too much at stake for either team to really go for it - the ones to make the first move were Blues, by bringing Cameron Jerome on to go 4-4-2, who made an immediate impact, bursting down the wing to almost sneak the ball past Brad Friedel. Some time later and Villa played their card: John Carew - who is apparently bigger than me and you (but not as big as Nikola Zigic) - who pretty much did nothing but win one header. Trump card made... trump card failed. Blues nearly won it at the death, but Nikola Zigic couldn't get the ball past Brad Friedel, and the game finished 0-0 - with Villa fans sneaking out the ground, and a small number booing. And they say they're not fickle.
For Blues, it was a relief not to lose and a relief that they stopped their neighbours getting 'the magnificent 7' victories on the bounce. But what also came out of that game for them, was pride. For 90 minutes, they stood toe to toe with their rivals who proclaim themselves as far superior, however after that showing, you can tell that the gap between the clubs is not as far as some Villa fans would lead you to believe.
For Villa, it was a disappointing result, which although they didn't lose, being at home and playing as poorly and negatively as they did, they will not be a happy bunch tonight. It was 0-0 today, but the deadlock must be broken in the Carling Cup, where the two teams meet at St. Andrews in pretty much exactly a months time. And Blues are ready now. Believe me.
It would've been nice to see Craig Gardner reeling off in celebration in front of the Holte End in the 93rd minute, but, i'll settle for a point. And that's what we got.
Full Time: Aston Villa 0-0 Birmingham CitySaturday, 23 October 2010
That's more like it
A much more spirited Blues performance and a much better crowd saw Birmingham come out winners today against a lively Blackpool side – scoring two and even keeping a clean sheet, setting the players up nicely for their next league game: the derby with those up the road.
Playing Blackpool, you know what to expect: a team that will come at you; a team full of little battlers; and a manager with his heart on his sleeve. But, you don't know how they're going to play. That's the thing. It's like us last season – no one knew our style of play, so it took teams a while to figure us out, and figure out how to beat us. It's like that this season with Blackpool, and combine that with the amount of passion and drive Ian Holloway forces upon his players, they have been a tough test for many teams already this season – just asked Liverpool.
As it was, Blues played brilliantly today. Every single one of them. Ben Foster is improving every game, much like Joe Hart did under goalkeeping coach Dave Watson. The back four were as solid as... a very solid thing. As always. How Roger Johnson, at 27, is still yet to be called up to England is a mystery. Liam Ridgewell played great again as well, with a goal on the score sheet and a great performance to his name too. Him and Stephen Carr, well, I've not seen them play so far up the pitch all season.
It wasn't so much 4-4-2, well, that was the intentional formation. But the tactics we played meant that Ferguson – who had his best game so far this season for Blues – played just behind the midfield and did his brilliant job of sweeping the loose balls up. Fahey played a more central role, and had a good few chances and a much better game than his previous few. Seb Larsson and Alex Hleb also had good games, with Hleb, like Fahey, having one of his better games in a Blues shirt – until he went off injured, that is.
Moan about him as much as you like, but one thing you cannot fault Garry O'Connor for is his work rate. Call him fat, call him whatever, but he will run for you all day long; he will win headers all day long; he will make runs and chase down the ball. All. Day. Long. And he had a good game today, I was willing him to score Blues' third just to shut the haters and the moaners up.
Zigic seems to have found his feet in the Premier League, and with another goal today it proves he can cut it in this league. He's now playing with confidence, winning balls in the air and picking out good passes. He's not the fastest of players, but he'll get into the right positions for you, and him and O'Connor seem like a good partnership.
The difference between this game and our last home game against Everton, was confidence. The Arsenal game, although we lost, seemed to have given these players a bit of a boost. The 20 yard passes are now being pulled off. The balls across the park are actually reaching the players. The neat one-touch football we played last season is being introduced back into our game. And the crowd can see this too. The atmosphere today was great; the fans got behind every single player,. And it gave the Blues team even more drive and confidence to go on and score more and create more.
Last season we lost to Arsenal in October, won our next home game with Ridgewell being first goalscorer and went on that amazing unbeaten run. This season we lost to Arsenal... in October... won our next home game... with Ridgewell being first on the score sheet. I'm not saying we will replicate what we did last year, but if that's not a coincidence, I don't know what is.
Full Time: Birmingham City 2-0 Blackpool
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Go somewhere expecting nothing, getting nothing, but still feeling like you got something
If that makes sense at all.
It's a great feeling - losing but still feeling like you got something out of the game. A moral victory, some would call it. We went there expecting to be beat, and juding on recent Blues performances, we were expecting to be beat by about 4 or 5. As it were, we were the ones that went a goal up, and we were the ones who created the most chances in the first half.
Of course, Arsenal passed it about in their lovely style. They owned much of the first half, but something everyone noticed about them - when they go on the attack, the run about 20 yards... then stop. And look for a player to pass to. They did this pretty much every attack they went on. Had they actually carried on, they would have gone on to score probably 4 or 5. As it were, they stopped to look for a man, which allowed our defence to get back and stop the threat.
Blues went ahead just after half an hour had passed - Fahey put in a ball which found the head - yes, the head - of Nikola Zigic... and into the back of the Arsenal net. The 2,000 odd Brummies went absolutely mental. It was a brilliant feeling, and you could see the team were chuffed to bits for Zigic.
That ten minutes was fun while it lasted, though, as (same old) Arsenal (always cheating) were awarded a penalty under dubious circumstances - hold on... de ja vu .. martin atkinson .. penalty .. dubious circumstances.. anyway, so Chamakh fell over thin and and Samir Nasri converted. Arsenal back in the game.
If Mr. Wenger gets annoyed at players, then he should be annoyed at his own. Ridgewell gets fouled by Nasri... Nasri kicks him. Kicks him. Right in front of the ref and the linesman too. And gets a yellow card. Double standards springs to mind.
The turn of the half saw another Arsenal goal. For an Arsenal fan, it was a wonder to watch; Chamahk, literally, did a pirouette and then stuck the ball in the back of the net. For the travelling fans and the visiting team, it was a nightmare. To concede so early on was a kick in the teeth, and unfortunately we just couldn't get back from it. Arsenal dominated the rest of the half, and another ironic twist to the tale saw Jack Wilshere - small person - totally take out Nikola Zigic - very tall person - and received a straight red card for his troubles. Even more surprisingly, Mr. Wenger accepted it was a red card. Some Arsenal fans though did not -this is why I pointed out the size difference. It takes a lot for Zigic to go down seeing as he is so tall: if Wilshere didn't take him out, what did? Thin air? No thank you.
A spirited performance by Blues and it should give them confidence going into the next game. After all, it's no bad thing to only lose 2-1 at Arsenal - just asked Blackpool.
Full Time: Arsenal 2-1 Birmingham City
It's a great feeling - losing but still feeling like you got something out of the game. A moral victory, some would call it. We went there expecting to be beat, and juding on recent Blues performances, we were expecting to be beat by about 4 or 5. As it were, we were the ones that went a goal up, and we were the ones who created the most chances in the first half.
Of course, Arsenal passed it about in their lovely style. They owned much of the first half, but something everyone noticed about them - when they go on the attack, the run about 20 yards... then stop. And look for a player to pass to. They did this pretty much every attack they went on. Had they actually carried on, they would have gone on to score probably 4 or 5. As it were, they stopped to look for a man, which allowed our defence to get back and stop the threat.
Blues went ahead just after half an hour had passed - Fahey put in a ball which found the head - yes, the head - of Nikola Zigic... and into the back of the Arsenal net. The 2,000 odd Brummies went absolutely mental. It was a brilliant feeling, and you could see the team were chuffed to bits for Zigic.
That ten minutes was fun while it lasted, though, as (same old) Arsenal (always cheating) were awarded a penalty under dubious circumstances - hold on... de ja vu .. martin atkinson .. penalty .. dubious circumstances.. anyway, so Chamakh fell over thin and and Samir Nasri converted. Arsenal back in the game.
If Mr. Wenger gets annoyed at players, then he should be annoyed at his own. Ridgewell gets fouled by Nasri... Nasri kicks him. Kicks him. Right in front of the ref and the linesman too. And gets a yellow card. Double standards springs to mind.
The turn of the half saw another Arsenal goal. For an Arsenal fan, it was a wonder to watch; Chamahk, literally, did a pirouette and then stuck the ball in the back of the net. For the travelling fans and the visiting team, it was a nightmare. To concede so early on was a kick in the teeth, and unfortunately we just couldn't get back from it. Arsenal dominated the rest of the half, and another ironic twist to the tale saw Jack Wilshere - small person - totally take out Nikola Zigic - very tall person - and received a straight red card for his troubles. Even more surprisingly, Mr. Wenger accepted it was a red card. Some Arsenal fans though did not -this is why I pointed out the size difference. It takes a lot for Zigic to go down seeing as he is so tall: if Wilshere didn't take him out, what did? Thin air? No thank you.
A spirited performance by Blues and it should give them confidence going into the next game. After all, it's no bad thing to only lose 2-1 at Arsenal - just asked Blackpool.
Full Time: Arsenal 2-1 Birmingham CitySaturday, 25 September 2010
A year unbeaten...
Well, we did it; a whole calendar year unbeaten at home. Not exactly the way we wanted to do it though and it certainly doesn’t excuse how poor we were today.
The game throughout seemed to be played at a slow pace. In all fairness, no one looked too bothered about what was going on, or too bothered to actually pick up the pace and attack with much force.
Cameron Jerome, the lone striker, had a few good chances; namely one near the end of the first half, when Al Habsi dropped the ball which then went between his legs before he managed to pick it up. Seeing the opposition goalkeeper as clumsy as this, we really should have pressured him more.
Blues lacked a lot of things today, but the thing they lacked most was pace. And passing. The game seemed to move at snails pace; the ball was dead on numerous occasions and no one seemed to want the ball or when they did, no one was moving for them to pass to.
The second half had nothing to boast about, other than a few chances for both the home side and the away side, with
The only light at the end of a seemingly long tunnel was that when Beausejour came on he looked sharp. He can beat a man and that’s something we’ve desperately been looking for, for quite a while now; if I was Alex McLeish, I would start him next Saturday against Everton, and also start Derbyshire alongside Jerome.
Another point from the match; I hope the ‘McFadden hate brigade’ are feeling very sheepish right now. We miss him. A lot, in fact. Most people use him as a scapegoat, but they fail to realise how much he does for the team: not only his skill and ability to beat a man and put a cross in, but the amount of tracking back he does. We were caught on the break a lot today, and we really do miss him.
The 400 or so Wigan fans had something to cheer about as Craig Gardner was sent off for a tackle - which the Mark Clattenburg blew for five seconds after he’d let Craig Gardner play on. After missing clear handballs and tackles previous to this, the Blues fans started to get on the back of the ref, and chants of “you’re not fit to referee” rung round the stadium, while Gardner trudged off the pitch with his shirt in his hands.
That was the only issue of note that happened in the match. N’Zogbia and Clattenburg can flip a coin to decide who the most hated person at St. Andrews was this afternoon, and Blues can pick themselves up and start again. And quickly; another home gamer against bottom of the league Everton next weekend, and boy do both teams need a win.
Full Time:
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Craig Gardner: Five Minute Man... and the rest
Hleb must have wondered what he’d got himself in to at the weekend when he saw his new side lose 3-1 to relegation candidates and local rivals West Brom . The same could be said again when he walked out onto a pitch of just over 9,000 at St. Andrews last night, being used to crowds of much over 80,000 back in Spain.
At least the score didn’t replicate that of Saturdays, though, as Blues ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over their League 1 opposition MK Dons.
That ‘it’s going to be a long night’ feeling was felt by most in the opening ten minutes. That changed abruptly when Michel pulled up with a knee injury and was replaced by Craig Gardner.
The second Blues goal came just minutes later, and it was Zigic who got his first goal in a Blues shirt, and it was Beausjour who provided the cross – who had a superb home debut.
MK Dons would have been forgiven for rolling over and letting Blues walk all over them, but credit to them as they were resilient through out, and prevented ahy more Blues goals being scored in the second half, even with chances galore from players such as Derbyshire, Zigic and debutant Jiranek.
The Dons got a small consolation near the end of the game as Wlbraham slotted home with ten minutes left. However a consolation was all it was, as the home team went on to be 3-1 winners on the night, and book themselves a place in the last sixteen of the Carling Cup – where it starts to get exciting!
All the Blues players had a great game; particularly impressing were Hleb – it’s brilliant seeing him in a Blues shirt! Beausejour – he is already proving to be a great winger, even if it was only against lower league opposition. Fahey – who I thought had a good game in his favoured position of centre-midfield. Murphy – who now back from injury has played important parts in both the cup games so far, and of corse the man of the moment Craig Gardner – I think seeing him to us was the best thing Villa have ever done for us.
Full Time: Birmingham City 3-1 Milton Keynes Dons
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