Andy Munro watches Blues go down to the Albion.
It was a familiar tale at the Hawthorns as Blues lost concentration at one end to concede while at the other, the barn door remained in pristine condition. We certainly deserved a point or maybe more on general play and chances but lacked the killer touch.
However, Lee Bowyer reckons he can still turn around the good ship Birmingham City and I think he will eventually steer us into a safe midtable position. So perhaps it’s worth concentrating on the positives in what was, after all, a decent display against the title favourites.
Matija Sarkic is certainly in pole position between the sticks with an excellent display and one Banks-style save. Dion Sandersen now has to start every game with his pace and coolness at the back standing out, whoever he is alongside. George Friend also did himself no wrong with a calm display, his talking and organising coming before rather than after the event (did you hear that Harlee Dean?).
In front of him Craig Gardner and Ivan Sunjic worked hard, even if the latter was a bit wayward at times. Tahith Chong did little wrong but I would still like to see him as the man behind one main striker and Jeremie Bela showed how he was missed when he came on. Up top, the Juke was particularly impressive and worked hard but perhaps Scott Hogan needs to make more of his flick-ons.
Finally, it was a shame to see Maxime Colin pick an injury which is likely to keep him out for a few weeks but if we play a 4-4-2 at any time I would like to see the promising young Marcel Oakley given an opportunity.
Overall, some reasons to be cheerful but we badly need a result in the next couple of games.
