Birmingham City player ratings vs Crawley Town: Two ‘stunning’ 9/10s but several 6s

Blues were unconvincing for large stretches of the encounter at Broadfield Stadium but one genius combination between Keshi Anderson and Stansfield made the difference, sealing Chris Davies’ side their 14th League One victory of the season.

Anderson whipped in a brilliant cross into the danger zone and Stansfield nodded into the far corner for his fourth goal in as many successive away matches.

Crawley started well, interrupting Birmingham’s flow with a high press and spells of promising possession. Set pieces proved troublesome for Blues when crosses pinballed around the area in the rainy and windy conditions but the hosts were unable to capitalise on their early .

Davies’ men eventually settled into a rhythm and a couple of chances followed before the interval. Paik Seung-ho saw a deflected strike held by Jojo Wollacott before Stansfield tested the Crawley ‘keeper, striking beautifully on the half volley after a corner. It was a brilliant save as Stansfield’s shot was driven into the ground and skimmed off the wet turf.

Birmingham tried to up the ante after the break but the chances were far and far between as Crawley sat deep to form a low block for long stretches. There was a slight penalty shout as Kelly made contact with Willumsson but Blues’ attacking midifelder, off balance, was already on the way down. Iwata went very close, fizzing a shot inches wide from outside the area.

Then came the winning goal as Blues, as they so often do, found a way to win. Anderson did so well to break free down the right before curling in his beautiful delivery for Stansfield to score. Birmingham move onto 45 points, one ahead of Wycombe Wanderers, to claim first place in League One at Christmas. Here’s how the players rated out of 10.

Player ratings

Ryan Allsop - 6

Made a fumble when trying to claim a cross midway through the first period and got away with it. Didn’t need to make a single save.

Krystian Bielik - 9*

Worked his socks off to get stuck in, locking down the right side of defence. Racked up a remarkable 15 clearances, three interceptions and three tackles.

Christoph Klarer - 6

Somehow got away without a booking for a rugby-esque bodycheck but then did receive a yellow for a tug on Swan and misses the game against Burton as a result. Otherwise defended well.

Ben Davies - 7

Played several excellent progressive passes and won his fair share of aerial duels.

Lee Buchanan - 7 (off 64’)

Put in a solid shift on the left before being replaced by Laird. Once 60-yard cross-field pass to Anderson stood out.

Paik Seung-ho - 7

Went close with a deflected shot in the first period. Helped dicate possession throughout but wasn’t as clinical as usual with his final ball.

Tomoki Iwata - 6

Flattered to deceive at times as he broke away from the press but lost possession cheaply on several occasions.

Willum Willumsson - 6 (off 73’)

Used his physicality well to shield the ball in advanced areas but lacked a little with his creative output.

Keshi Anderson - 9 (off 90+3’)

Assisted Stansfield’s winner with a stunning cross. Deserved it as he looked confident taking on his man all night long, completing more dribbles and more passes into the final third than any other player on the pitch.

Jay Stansfield - 8

Scored the winner with a superb header. Unlucky not to find the net with a powerful half volley in the first half. Riled up the home fans with his passion throughout.

Alfie May - 6 (off 73’)

Set up a great chance for Stansfield in the first half but went missing afterward.