This was the first real opportunity I’ve had to see Birmingham this season and to be honest I was impressed. It was a case of us matching you in the effort stakes as I felt it was your midfield in particular that set the standard.
Robbie Savage, despite the loathing of every supporter other than your own, was impressive and had a very good game. He was the heartbeat of your team and for the first time demonstrated to me at least that his range of abilities stretch further than tackling and running. His set piece deliveries were dangerous and his passing all game was both effective and precise. This quality was coupled with his ever present determination, a characteristic that no doubt spurs on his team mates.
David Dunn, making his much anticipated return, was also hugely impressive. He has an uncanny technique of using his body to shield the ball and either beat players or win free-kicks. He was the one player who showed some class in an otherwise tenaciously fought affair. I remember when he played at St.James last year and was then once again very exciting. I once met him after he had played in a Blackburn team that had beaten us 5-2. He was a very likeable lad and appeared quite grounded.
As for elsewhere on the field, following his introduction Dwight Yorke was very dangerous. He gave our defence something to worry about and was a constant threat. Your general style was not pretty and lacked creativity barring Dunn’s influence. Gronkjaer flattered to deceive as ever and Johnson, despite all his hard work, appeared to be largely anonymous.
At the back we did create several openings but the effectiveness of both Shearer and Kluivert was significantly reduced and once more Matthew Upson impressed me.
As for your ground, it’s no St. James, but the atmosphere was good and the stadium has improved drastically since the last time I visited.
It was a great game I think you’ll agree and a draw was a fair result with both sets of supporters having plenty of reason to argue otherwise.
I wish both yourselves and David Dunn the best of luck for the coming season. In the former Blackburn man you have a very exciting and talented individual who will surely go a long way to reversing what have been quite dismal fortunes so far this campaign.
Craig Hope is a writer for howaythetoon.com and has been supporting Newcastle United for seventeen years. You can view his profile HERE