Birmingham Metropolis’s dream of back-to-back promotions is turning into a actuality.
Chris Davies’ Blues proceed to climb the Championship ladder, with the West Midlands giants at present two factors away from the coveted high six within the division after defeating Leicester Metropolis’s powerful take a look at 2-1 at St Andrews.
Nevertheless, there will likely be some issues from Birmingham followers concerning first-team star Phil Newman. The highly effective German centre-back was pressured to depart the sport within the ultimate levels with a visual shock. He put up combat all through, however limped off simply after the hour mark.
Fortunately, Davies acquired Jonathan Panzo on deadline day and believes he can slot into the center of the protection ought to the previous Hannover man undergo an harm, with the Englishman little doubt hoping to make impression in his long-awaited return to the EFL.
What Panzo can supply Birmingham
It has been fairly a while since Panzo has been an everyday within the EFL’s elite division, along with his ultimate spell within the league coming within the 2023/24 season with Cardiff Metropolis.
Nevertheless, he solely made 5 memorable appearances for the Bluebirds in complete, along with his longer stint at Coventry Metropolis being remembered.
Panzo performed in 32 video games for the Sky Blues, recording one aim and one help when the Blues made their house at CBS Enviornment. Plus, profitable 4.2 duels per league match and retaining 13 clear sheets total, it is clear why the 25-year-old was singled out as a “nice asset” by former Coventry supervisor Mark Robins.
Panzo, who’s snug enjoying each within the coronary heart of the protection and as a left-back, joins on an preliminary six-month deal, however it appears to be like like shrewd enterprise, with the quantity 27 offering Davies with one other physique within the centre-back division, which may now drive Neumann into the therapy room at St Andrew’s.
If he impresses along with his greatest efficiency but once more at Coventry, his six-month contract will little doubt be prolonged, and one of many West Midlands’ most skilled performers is actually now fearing for his future if Panzo shines.
What Panzo’s arrival means for the Birmingham crew
Birmingham are eager to realize promotion to the Premier League for the primary time since relegation occurred on the finish of the 2010/11 season, and it’ll come at the price of a few of Davies’ squad.
Sadly, Jack Robinson is more likely to fall sufferer to St Andrew’s rising requirements, with the 32-year-old solely becoming a member of Birmingham from Sheffield United final summer season.
On the floor, this had all of the makings of a wise buy. Robinson had performed 272 video games at a demanding stage for groups just like the Blades and was very accustomed to what it takes to be a troublesome defender enjoying within the second tier.
Nevertheless, below Davis’ new administration fashion, he has not been capable of safe a secure beginning place, and his quick keep up to now has been tormented by accidents and his performances have been up and down.
robinson birmingham quantity | |
|---|---|
standing | robinson |
video games performed | 12 |
victory | 3 |
draw | 3 |
loss | 6 |
Variety of targets conceded | twenty 4 |
clear sheet | 1 |
pink card | 2x |
Birmingham have not actually felt Robinson’s absence since he appeared within the FA Cup sport in opposition to Cambridge United with a hamstring downside, with the skilled Championship defender solely retaining one clear sheet in 12 appearances for the Blues up to now.
Furthermore, somewhat than showing and appearing as a level-headed presence with a wealth of know-how, he typically stood out for the improper causes as somebody with a brief mood, as seen in his two pink playing cards.
Davies even stated his first pink card in opposition to Hull Metropolis in October was “finally a missed alternative to progress” because the Tigers finally received 3-2, whereas Robinson additionally scored a disastrous personal aim on the day.
Because the Warrington-born defender left the crew by means of harm, Birmingham have gone on an additional unbeaten run within the second tier, conceding simply two targets in 5 video games. Davis is actually extra motivated than Robinson so as to add new blood within the type of Panzo, which may destabilize the Blues’ movement.
The 32-year-old is more likely to characteristic as soon as he returns to full health, however with Newman firmly established within the Championship and Panzo additionally eligible, do not anticipate Robinson to be one in every of Davies’ first names on the crew sheet any time quickly.
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