I quite enjoyed that game, although the first half wasn’t the best – the game came alive in the 2nd.
We had a bright start, but Leicester had a lot more possession and probably the best chance with a shot at the near post well stopped by Myhill. Having said that, they never really threatened other than that one chance and I thought our back four looked pretty set today. It looks like they are beginning to get to know each other. There were one or two misplaced positions but they did cover each well. The first half we didn’t have too many chances either, and didn’t seem to know how to break through the Foxes strong midfield.
At half time, we discover that the ref was injured and would be replaced. I was concerned about this, Beausejour wasn’t having a good half and with a new ref there was a big danger of getting sent off. I’ve watched loads of games when the officials have been replaced, and they are usually worse than the original person.
Today was different, and after Beausejour had rattled the woodwork, he was bought down for a penalty by Andy King. The commentators weren’t impressed but none the less, Marlon King put away the spot kick into the bottom corner 1-0 Blues. Subsequent replays showed him to be spot on, (sorry for the pun!) To be fair to the commentators, they pointed this out.
Just over 5 minutes later, Matt Mills was shown a red card for a two footed off the floor. It reminded me of the one Bowyer did against Wigan a couple of years ago. Once again replays proved the ref being correct in the decision. Mills is a key player to Leicester and that must have been a hammer blow to them especially as they were 1-0 down.
After that we had a number of chances to score, but credit to Schmeichel who made at least 2 good saves. Leicester to their credit did try to get back into the game, but were always in danger in being caught on the break and that proved to be the case when Wood took the ball around the keeper to score the winner.
Over all a good 3 points, and with some of the leading sides dropping points yesterday, the value of the win is even higher. We have moved up to 15th only 4 points behind 6th place with 2 games in hand over all the sides except Leeds who we have 1 game in hand.
Back to today’s game, Beasejour was terrific in the 2nd half, Burke played well, King never stopped working and the back 4 are looking more and more solid. Isn’t it nice to be watching a side that you know CAN and WILL score goals? The formation Chris Hughton wants to play, is becoming clear – and I like it.
As far as our opponents, Leicester WILL be in the mix. They played some good stuff today and if they can get better delivery, they will score.
Well played Blues 3 points from the best club game in world football, (according to Gary Linekar!) 🙂
In the first half we had a close-range header that should have gone in but hit the side netting… Caldwell, I think? So I think we had the best chance in the first half, but it was slim pickings.
Thought Beausejour had a belting start to the second half, which the BBC live text absolutely failed to do justice to (don’t know about the TV commentary as I was at the game). The text effectively said ‘Oh, by the way, Birmingham happen to have a penalty, it could be pure luck or they could be playing well, who cares.’
King’s through-ball to Wood is something Jerome would never have been capable of, and Wood’s finish was classy.
People were making a fairly big deal about Leicester’s squad being expensively assembled and ours being a lot of freebies, but Zigic, Beausejour and Ridgewell together cost around £13m… granted, we haven’t spent much money recently, and Zigic only played five minutes, but I think it puts it in perspective a little. Spending money recently doesn’t necessarily make your team that much more valuable. According to the valuations on transfermarkt.co.uk, the Blues squad is worth about £32m and Leicester’s is worth £33m.
They did Mike, saying his shot against the frame was the catalyst.
Great result.Im sure Leicester will be in the mix at the end!.
I totally missed the game but how did the midfield pairing of Gomis and Fahey get on?.
I thought they did alright. Gomis is beginning to settle and I think he’ll be a decent player. I’ve never understood the criticism of Fahey. I think he’s had a solid start to the season.
I think Fahey’s critics were all wrong, but I do see he’s let a few passes go astray this season. Worst I’ve seen him play, sadly. He’s only just back from (minor) op mind you…
On another note, has anyone noticed that the Daily Mirror’s online match report is suspiciously similar to The Guardian’s of over an hour earlier? Agree with other posters, that the BBC’s radio coverage made Blues sound like Scunthorpe and Leicester like Brazil. How on earth did we come to win?!
Scunthorpe did beat Brazil once, in a BBC friendly in the West Ham supporting Director General’s head 😉