Lee Carsley’s first game in temporary charge of Birmingham City at St Andrew’s resulted in a crucial 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday. It was a welcome lift for many Blues fans after a torrid run of form which left us in 23rd position. Here are my player ratings from Wednesday’s game.
Starting XI
Man of the Match: Tomasz Kuszczak – 8
Tomasz has came into the frame for the last two games in place of the injured Stockdale and he has performed magnificently. In the second half he managed to pull off two world class saves to deny an Adam Reach long range drive and a Lucas Joao header.
Nsue – 6
Typically a lot of Nsue’s game is based on how he gets forward from defense and helps Blues out in attacking situations, this week though we got to see the great side of his defensive work. He held his position well and made some crucial interceptions in the second half. A solid display.
Morrison – 7
After a shaky start to the season Morro is starting to look back to his best, especially based on the last two performances. There were a lot of balls pumped into the Blues box in the second half with Sheffield Wednesday chasing the game and he dealt with them fantastically.
Dean – 8
Yet another exceptionally solid display from Harlee Dean who has really impressed since coming in from Brentford. He looks composed on the ball, comfortable in possession and impressive in the air. He made one very crucial goal line clearance in injury time which kept Blues in the game.
Colin – 7
Another composed performance from Colin who seems to be making that left back spot his own. He is a real outlet for Blues going forward and it was his crossfield ball which helped set up the goal.
N’Doye – 7
Reminds me of a Nikola Zigic type character; tall, clumsy in possession, immobile, but occasionally pops up with a little bit of quality. He is definitely a good player to have in the midfield with his aerial ability. Missed on guilt edge chance in the second half.
Gardner – 7
Craig Gardner has found himself back in the starting line up under temporary boss Lee Carsley and it has definitely been a welcome return. Another battling performance in the middle of the park on Wednesday saw him stick to his task of breaking down the Sheffield Wednesday attacks well.
Davis – 7
Back to the David Davis of last season, at last! He caused Sheffield Wednesday problems when he had the ball and also caused them problems without the ball with his constant harrying of the Sheffield Wednesday midfield. Good to see him returning to his old self.
Boga – 7
My word this lad can play. His ball control is exceptional especially when he is running at defenders with pace. He had one fantastic run in the second half which resulted in him playing an inch perfect ball through to Cheikh N’Doye who unfortunately blazed over. Missed a sitter himself in the first half.
Maghoma – 7
You’ll struggle to find a current Blues player that can be more frustrating to watch as Jacques Maghoma. For every moment of sheer excellence there is a moment where he’ll completely switch off when tracking back or will give the ball away. However, on the night he proved to be crucial to Blues playing a perfect pass through to Isaac Vassell for the goal.
Jutkiewicz – 7
Jutkie came back into the side to start up front on his own against Sheffield Wednesday. He faced an impossible task of trying to make something out of nothing with a lot of the long balls that were pumped up to him. Once again his determination was fantastic and he held the ball up incredibly well.
Subs:
Vassell – 7
Remember the name: Isaac Vassell! Isaac has all of the attributes to become a real top player. He has pace, strength and is surprisingly good in the air. Got his first goal for Birmingham City on Wednesday with a fantastic composed finish past Joe Wildsmith in the Wednesday goal.
Gallagher – N/A
Too late to have any real impact on the game.
Roberts – N/A
Too late to have any real impact on the game.
Sheffield Wednesday Fans – 5
Attendance: 2,494
As good as the Sheffield Wednesday support looked numbers wise, they proved to be a real let down on the night at St Andrews. There was very little noise from the away end, who were drowned out by Blues fans throughout most of the second half.