'He's a level above', 'couldn't stop him' - Birmingham City player ratings vs Huddersfield

Alfie May’s fifth goal of the season was enough for Birmingham to claim another three points, moving them five clear at the top of the standings with a game in hand. It’s the first time since 1946 that Blues have won seven successive league fixtures, a truly generational feat.

Huddersfield started the better of the two teams as they looked to take advantage of Birmingham’s initially shaky passing out from the back. It took the Terriers less than a minute to carve a clear-cut opportunity as Mickel Miller found space on the underlap and struck merely inches wide. Antony Evans then stung the gloves of Ryan Allsop with a curled free-kick from 25 yards. Had the visitors been a bit steadier on the ball themselves, they could have easily scored one or two to make things awkward.

Birmingham eventually got into their groove with about 25 minutes on the clock, though, and hardly looked back. Willum Willumsson went close to scoring a beautiful solo goal when he slalomed through four or five Huddersfield men before dinking over ‘keeper Jacob Chapman, but the ball was headed over the bar by his own teammate, Alfie May. It was a strange moment as the striker instinctively went to make sure the ball went over the line but inadvertently cleared it away.

There were more chances before the break, too, as Willumsson saw a powerful free-kick tipped over the bar and Jay Stansfield dragged a shot narrowly wide after finding a yard in the area. The momentum then carried over after the interval as Keshi Anderson saw a shot blocked away at close range and Stansfield uncharacteristically missed a sitter from an Alfons Sampsted cut-back.

Blues finally found their breakthrough in the 63rd minute and it was a goal that incapsulated everything this team is about. Stansfield and May combined in divine fashion, the former unselfishly squaring it to the latter to convert into an open net. It all came from some quick thinking as a free-kick was taken quickly and Sampsted sent Stansfield away down the right. The rest was then pure instinct from Blues’ striking duo as Stansfield took the ball into his stride and May timed his run brilliantly for 1-0.

Scott Wright and Emil Hansson entered the fray off the bench to help Birmingham continue to pile on the pressure. Both got heavily involved as the hosts strutted their stuff with confident build-up play, hardly allowing Huddersfield out of their own half. The lead remained fragile but it didn’t feel that way as Blues dictated proceedings.

Blues will be asking how they didn’t win by more than one goal as the opportunities flowed approaching the final whistle. Hansson saw a shot saved from close range before Paik unleashed a left-footed kraken from 25 yards, also saved by Chapman. Stansfield was then unlucky to hit the stanchion with his last kick before his replacement, Lyndon Dykes, was denied a tap-in by a last-gasp Huddersfield clearance. One-nil was how it ended; another professional and assured display from Blues.

Birmingham City player ratings vs Huddersfield

Ryan Allsop - 6.5

Made three saves in the opening 15 minutes, including a diving stop to deny an Antony Evans free-kick. Had mixed success with his distribution as he was nervous early on but improved as the game went on.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 6 (off 46’)

Looked composed in possession and provided good width down the right flank. That said, he was a little reckless with some of his challenges - and should’ve used better common sense when on a booking. Subbed at half time for that reason.

Christoph Klarer - 7

Got Blues out of trouble on several occasions early doors, reading situations well to clear the danger. Unbeatable in the air throughout.

Krystian Bielik - 7

Led from the back well, helping Blues settle after a nervous start. Defended pretty faultlessly when required, though Huddersfield only had a couple of dominant spells.

Alex Cochrane - 7

Another assured display as he anticipated through passes down his side and got involved at the opposite end with a few decent crosses.

Paik Seung-ho - 8

Broke up and read the play superbly, just as he has for all of this season so far. He’s simply a level above technically.

Tomoki Iwata - 7.5

Scanned the game excellently throughout and was brilliant on the half-turn to escape the Huddersfield press. Rarely gave the ball away.

Willum Willumsson - 7

Had one moment of magic in the first half when he dribbled past four players and beat the goalkeeper with a chip, only to be denied on the line. Saw a decent free-kick tipped over the bar moments beforehand.

Keshi Anderson - 6 (off 64’)

Struggled to make his mark in the first period as he was contained well by Lasse Sorensen. Saw a decent half-volleyed effort blocked early in the second half.

Alfie May - 7 (off 67’)

Scored the winner, making up for a howler in the first half as he headed Willumsson’s chip - destined for goal - over the crossbar from close range.

Jay Stansfield - 7.5 (off 85’)

Assisted May’s winner with an unselfish squared pass. Could’ve had two himself as he swept one wide in the first half and struck off target from just 10 yards early in the second. Went close again with his last kick as he glanced the woodwork. Huddersfield couldn’t stop Stanno from making his mark.

Alfons Sampsted - 7 (on 46’)

Created the golden chance for Stansfield just minutes after coming on, getting to the byline and putting the ball on a plate. Involved in May’s goal, too, as he made the pass to Stansfield.

Emil Hansson - 6 (on 64’)

Caused a threat down the left but took a little too long with his final ball.

Scott Wright - 6.5 (on 68’)

Heavily involved when he came on as he floated between the lines, linking up the play with Willumsson and Hansson. Sometimes picked the wrong pass.