Birmingham Metropolis are actually simply two factors away from Wrexham within the ultimate play-off spot within the Championship after a hard-fought 2-1 away win towards Norwich Metropolis.
The Blues’ huge spend in January seems to have paid off, with Carlos Vicente breaking the impasse towards Norfolk together with his first aim for Chris Davies’ facet. The catch-up from Alaves price round £7 million.
In addition to Vicente’s aim, fellow new signing August Pliske additionally offered an help, with Marvin Dachsh standing out because the hero for Birmingham’s all-important second aim, sealing the three factors towards the courageous Canaries.
Norwich by no means conceded within the second half and though Birmingham’s attackers had been at their greatest for the primary 45 minutes, victory was all however sealed due to some glorious goalkeeping from the fortunate guests, James Beadle.
Beadle’s excellent efficiency towards Norwich
Regardless of solely being 21, Beadle is effectively used to the pressures of the Championship, having beforehand performed at this intense stage for Sheffield Wednesday.
The No. 25 went on to maintain 17 clear sheets for the Owls over two seasons within the second division, and Birmingham determined he had what it took to compete within the higher division and signed him on mortgage firstly of the season.
Beadle definitely confirmed off his shot-stopping skills at Carrow Highway, as he made eight huge saves to finish a back-and-forth recreation.
On the ultimate whistle, Davies praised the “fast reacting” nature of the agile stopper, who not too long ago got here underneath fireplace when he was ignored of Birmingham’s FA Cup recreation towards Leeds United.
However he’s now firmly within the Blues’ good books as Philippe Clement’s facet managed only one aim all afternoon regardless of having 18 photographs in complete.
Beadle wasn’t the one one who stood out in Birmingham’s strong protection within the second half. One of many standout performers within the Blues’ backline might be credited with being as influential as former West Midlands giants Jay Stansfield.
Birmingham star might develop into Stansfield 2.0
Beforehand, Stansfield arrived at St Andrews on a short lived mortgage deal from Championship facet Fulham earlier than signing a everlasting take care of Birmingham.
Regardless of Birmingham succumbing to relegation through the 2023/24 season, the energetic 23-year-old stood out as a giant plus, with Stansfield beginning 39 video games within the second division and scoring 12 targets at house. Due to this fact, the 23-year-old stays a mainstay for the Blues, having already scored 9 targets this season, and it was a no brainer for him to signal an extension.
The Birmingham Metropolis star, who left in 2024, is now an even bigger expertise than Stansfield.
The star, who was bought to Birmingham Metropolis in League One, is now an even bigger expertise than Jay Stansfield.
Jonathan Panzo can be hoping he can keep longer than just some months, as the brand new defender’s contract at St Andrews solely runs till the top of the season.
His heroics towards Norwich give him a great probability of turning into a mainstay within the first group and immediately turning right into a fan favourite, very like Stansfield as soon as was.
See Panzo’s efficiency in numbers | |
|---|---|
Play time (minutes) | 90 |
Variety of factors scored | 0 |
help | 0 |
contact | 62 |
failed contact | 1 |
precise path | 36/38 (95%) |
lack of possession | 3 occasions |
intercept | 2 |
clearance | 14 |
blocked shot | 1 |
accumulate | 3 |
deal with win | 2/2 |
Complete variety of duels gained | 5/7 |
In reality, Panzo will need to have been exhausted when the ultimate whistle blew in Norfolk. The 6ft 1in Warrior was a beast on the coronary heart of the away group’s defence, racking up 14 clearances, making seven tackles and profitable a duel whereas hardly making a mistake all through the sport.
However like Stansfield, he too prevented pretense and proved to be an aesthetic operator, finishing solely two of his 38 passes. Moreover, out of 65 touches on the ball, just one was a miss.
If he can keep these performances, Panzo will certainly have the ability to solidify his place as a daily starter underneath Davis, and his keep on the membership will definitely prolong past this season.
With the likes of Beadle, Panzo and Stansfield at his disposal, Davies has a really gifted squad with back-to-back promotions in his sights, not the wildest of screamers.
Birmingham Metropolis participant seems to have made the membership’s largest mistake since Deeney
Even worse than Marvin Dachsh, the Birmingham Metropolis ahead appears to be like just like the membership’s largest failure since Troy Deeney.
