Alex Dicken provides insights from Birmingham City’s recent 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the Championship. Birmingham City secured their second consecutive win just before the international break, bouncing back from a deficit to defeat West Bromwich Albion at St Andrew’s.
Following their impressive 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town earlier in the week, Birmingham City continued their winning streak by defeating West Bromwich Albion 3-1. This triumph included goals from Juninho Bacuna (penalty), Dion Sanderson, and Gary Gardner. With five wins, three draws, and three losses in their first 11 matches, Birmingham City has now climbed back into the playoff positions.
This win marked the end of a challenging series of fixtures between international breaks, during which Birmingham City accumulated seven points from six games—a respectable outcome for the team.
One notable aspect of this match was the resilience displayed by Birmingham City. For the first time in over two years and the first time under the leadership of John Eustace, the team came from behind to secure a victory. The moment Bacuna converted the penalty, Birmingham City’s performance clicked into place. They showcased determination in defense, with Krystian Bielik and Ivan Sunjic dominating the midfield, while their forwards exhibited hard work in attack. Although creative players like Siriki Dembele and Koji Miyoshi weren’t at their best in this game, Bacuna, Sanderson, and Gardner stepped up to the plate.
Notably, Birmingham City has diversified its goal-scoring sources, with six different players contributing to their seven goals in a week, without Jay Stansfield, the usual goal threat, among the scorers.
Gary Gardner’s contribution in the match was particularly special. After scoring a remarkable free-kick in front of the Tilton Stand, Gardner opened up about his injury struggles. Due to a series of injuries, Gardner had only played 10 games for Birmingham City in the previous season. John Eustace allowed Gardner time to recover over the summer, and he made his first appearance in six months during Birmingham City’s win against Cheltenham Town in the Carabao Cup in August. Two months later, he showcased a moment of brilliance in a Championship game.
The performance of Cody Drameh and Manny Longelo, filling in for the absent first-choice full-backs Ethan Laird and Lee Buchanan, was commendable. Drameh registered his second assist in two matches with a pinpoint cross for Sanderson’s header, showcasing his ability as a right-back. Longelo, playing on the left, displayed superb passing skills and solid defending against the lively Grady Diangana. Their performances helped mitigate the impact of losing Laird and Buchanan simultaneously.
With 18 points from 11 games, Birmingham City is on track to be in contention for a playoff spot. The team is maintaining a focused approach, taking each game as it comes. Krystian Bielik, a key player for Birmingham City, expressed a desire to challenge for a higher position in the Championship table this season. He emphasized the positive changes the team has undergone, including new transfers, improved attacking options, and new ownership and facilities. While acknowledging the challenge of the Championship, Bielik believes that this is the strongest Birmingham City team in a decade, suggesting that they have the squad to compete at a higher level.
In summary, Birmingham City’s recent performance against West Bromwich Albion signals their potential to compete for a playoff spot in the Championship, thanks to their newfound resilience, diversified goal-scoring options, and the impressive performances of their stand-in full-backs. The team is aiming for a positive season and a higher position in the league, acknowledging the strength of their current squad.