Blues, who had suffered three successive home defeats to record their worst start to a season since 1911, finally collected their first point of the season at St Andrew's and it was well merited for their fighting second-half performance. Luis Garcia, who began on the substitutes bench, finally ended Liverpool's goal drought but the European champions failed to maintain their 68th minute advantage as Blues stormed back four minutes later with an equaliser as a result of an own goal from Stephen Warnock. In the 75th minute Walter Pandiani, who had only replaced Mikael Forssell three minutes earlier, grabbed Blues' second goal after Jose Reina had failed to hold Emile Heskey's header. But Liverpool equalised in the 83rd minute when Cisse converted his penalty after teenager Kilkenny was sent off after handling a Jamie Carragher header which had smashed against the bar. The Merseyside club dominated most of the early play without producing any real urgency to put Blues out of their stride. Peter Crouch could make little impact and the Blues fans took great delight in seeing the former Aston Villa striker bundled to the ground by Kenny Cunningham. Often as not Liverpool were over-elaborate in their build ups and consequently gave Blues little real trouble in the opening spell. On the other hand Liverpool's defence was neat and tight as to be expected from a side which had not conceded a goal in their opening four games. The first scare for Liverpool did not materialise until the 25th minute when a high ball was deflected into the path of Heskey. The Blues striker was quick to spot the opportunity and he shot first time on the angle only for Reina to block the effort with his legs. This incident appeared to wake up the game as Steven Gerrard, in response, hammered a rattling shot against the post with Maik Taylor well beaten. Encouraged by his skipper's effort Bolo Zenden attempted to get into the act with a speculative effort but he was embarrassingly well off target which at that stage of the game appeared to sum up Liverpool's current problems in front of goal. The lack of any midfield drive from injury-hit Blues was the reason that they were unable to really pressurise the secure Liverpool rearguard. But the lack of fire-power from Liverpool's attack often turned to frustration and Florent Sinama-Pongolle became the first player to be booked for an over-zealous challenge on Taylor. Blues shortcomings were highlighted early in the second half when Forssell, searching for his first Premiership goal of the season, miserably failed to control a thigh high pass from Jamie Clapham which could have accorded him a clear opportunity to open his account. It was a rare chance as Sami Hyypia produced an immaculate defensive performance. On one occasion he moved forward as if to show his front line what to do and certainly created an anxious moment as Blues were forced to concede a dangerous free-kick. The game then sparked to life when Cunningham was booked for a foul on Gerrard. Liverpool swept forward with Garcia applying the finishing touch in the 68th minute. This was followed by Warnock's own goal following a Julian Gray cross before Pandiani's first goal of the season. A controversial foul by Gray on Gerrard resulted in the penalty incident which robbed Blues of their first home win of the season.
Steve Bruce was forced into making changes from the side which had fought hard for a point in Blues' last league game against Portsmouth. Jiri Jarosik, Nicky Butt and Muzzy Izzet were all unavailable and so in came youngster Neil Kilkenny for his league debut with Damien Johnson switched from a wide midfield role to central midfield. Defender Mario Melchiot returned at right back after a three game absence.
Blues, who completed the double over Liverpool last season, were often second best in what was a relatively low-key first half but they twice pierced the opposition defence in a hectic seven-minute spell midway through the second half.