Andy Munro watches Blues earn a credible draw at Sheffield United.
If ever there was a test for a comparatively rejuvenated Blues side then this was it. When United scored, our team under many recent managers might have folded but this one stormed back to equalise and were arguably the better side in the second period. However, we might have lost it unjustly in the dying seconds as the referee seemed intent on playing a third half (!) but the excellent John Ruddy came to our rescue.
Against a side that had won all four home games and rattled up one short of a dozen goals in doing so, the Blues defence were excellent, with Maxime Colin outstanding. Ruddy behind them has been a revelation whilst the midfield looked more than capable flanked by a very handy partnership in Emmanuel Longelo and Jordan Graham. Quietly stabilising things and allowing the wingbacks to push on was a calm and collected Krystian Bielik. Tahith Chong yet again looked a bargain and is the X factor in terms of unpredictability while troy Deeney’s goal reflects his recent effective performances and is also a monkey off his back.
We may have a small squad but talented youngsters like George Hall and Bellingham minor are great options off the bench, together with the Tunisian tornado that is Hannibal Mejbri.
We need to keep our feet on the ground but the future now seems a lot brighter. By the way, Paul Heckinbottom was both respectful and measured about the Blues in his after match comments, showing real class – the likes of Mowbray, Pearson and Warnock please take note.