Birmingham v Blackburn
This was the fourth time we’ve faced Blackburn this season, including in the cup and the subsequent replay. We don’t have a great record against Blackburn, our last league win came back in 2019 when we won 1-0 at home. We did manage a FA cup win in 2020, but in our last 5 games we have conceded 11 and only scored 4.
We looked to be adopting a 4-2-3-1 setup, which I personally think is our best formation.
First half
Blackburn started off very brightly and caused Blues some early problems. Blues didn’t help themselves giving the ball back too cheaply to a Rovers side who thrive in possession.
First real chance fell to Blues, as Hall picked up the ball and ran through the middle of park, he layed it off to Chong who slipped in Juke. Not sure if it was a cross or a shot, but the ball bounced off the Rovers defender and hit the post.
The first half swung back and forth and was a very entertaining game to watch.
Blues had some excellent chances to take the lead. The first one came to Chong after a Juke knock down, I personally think he has to do better. Chang then found Juke who’s deflected shot from a tight angle just whistled past the post. The best chance of the half for me came to Juke who brought a lovely ball down from a Hall cross, but he fired the ball straight at the Rovers' keeper, either side and it’s a goal.
Not to say Blackburn didn’t have their fair share of chances, resulting in two smart saves from Ruddy. There was too much space over on the Blues left hand side, but Ruddy saw the danger and caught the Rovers' cut back well. Their second chance came after some patient build up saw Dolan slip in Hedges who fired across Ruddy, but again the veteran goalkeeper dealt with the threat well.
HT 0-0
Have to say it was an entertaining first half with both teams having chances. Blues were sloppy in possession at times, giving the ball back far too easily. The Blackburn wingers were hugging the touch line and forced us to spread wide. I understand we can’t press constantly but when we did we were causing problems.
Second half
Blackburn started the second half like they did the first, very much on top.
A short corner from Rovers saw Hedges hit a shot from outside the box and force Ruddy into a good save. They moved the ball so well at times.
At the start of the half, Blues were their own worst enemy with sloppy clearances, snatching at them and inviting pressure.
Hall broke from a Blackburn corner and his engine took him on to win a Blues' corner - honestly he was fantastic all game. From the resulting corner, it was cleared to the edge of the box to Colin who laid it off to Khadra who rifled it in to the bottom corner with a fantastic finish. I thought Khadra had an uncharacteristically poor game but he popped up with a moment of magic against his former club on the 61st minute.
After the goal, the game went very flat which suited Blues. It wasn’t until the 78th minute that Diaz headed over, after a flick on from a Rovers' corner.
Hogan came on for Juke and it was great to hear the Blues fans shouting "Jukeeee" as he left the field. For a guy who turned 34 this week he gave his absolute all again. A true Birmingham legend in my eyes.
Blackburn made some more attacking changes, and they were almost level when a poor touch from Colin allowed Diaz to put one across goal. A vital touch from Ruddy meant we kept our lead.
As there were 7 minutes of extra time added on, Blues made 3 changes which saw Hall (MOTM for me), Chong and Chang come off for Dean, James and Bellingham. I have to give to Eustace, he’s starting the youth and bringing them on in important times, trusting them to see out a tight game. The future is surely bright for these guys.
FT 1-0 to Blues
Verdict
Another important 3 points for us. This game was very entertaining to watch from kick off. It was nice to see Blues not sit back and actually take the game to Blackburn at times. We scored against the run of play, but we had chances in the first half. Although sloppy in possession at times I feel we were good for the win.
The 4-3-2-1 suites us down to the ground and hopefully Eustace implements this in our remaining games of the season. Two wins on the spin and two clean sheets, what more could you ask for?
MOTM for me was Hall, he was superb from start to finish. The engine and desire from the teenager was brilliant to see. May add a couple more million for Deeney to try flog him!
A little side note about Long, I thought he was commanding in defence and another player who’s gone from strength to strength. Could he be in contention for another contract come the end of the season?
Hopefully that is Blues safe but until it’s certain, we have to keep going. Reading away next Friday and I feel we could go there and win!
KRO
Player ratings out of 10
Ruddy - 7
Colin - 6
Long - 7
Roberts - 6
Trusty - 6
Bielik - 6
Chang - 7
Chong - 6
Hall - 8
Khadra - 6
Jutkiewicz - 7
Subs
Etheridge - N/A
Dean - N/A
James - N/A
Hannibal - N/A
Bacuna - 5
Bellingham - N/A
Hogan - 5
See the highlights from the game and the reactions from our team below:
Credit: Birmingham City Football Club
Credit: Birmingham City Football Club
Credit: Birmingham City Football Club