Birmingham City player ratings vs Peterborough United: Substitutes shine in crazy comeback

Birmingham City completed the most remarkable comeback in the final five minutes of the game against Peterborough United to gloss over what was a pretty dismal all-round performance.

Nearly every player that started the game looked off it from minute one with manager Lee Bowyer stating post-match that his side were sluggish and deserved absolutely nothing from the contest.

But something they got, in the shape of an unlikely point. A point which could well have been three had Lukas Jutkiewicz connected with a free header in stoppage time.

Impressive comeback or not, the impressive performances were very much few and far between with hardly any coming away with any credit from the game.

Bowyer’s substitutes on the other hand did have the desired affect and were key in the final outcome of the match.

Here’s our scores on the doors from Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with the Posh.

Neil Etheridge - 7

Pulled off a number of fine saves on the night. Kicking was off again just as it was against Barnsley but that can be forgiven for keeping the Blues in the game.

Maxime Colin - 5

It’s two abject performances in a row from a man that was oh so reliable before his injury. He just hasn’t rediscovered that form since returning to the team.

Marc Roberts - 5

Brought down his man for a penalty in the second-half though ‘brought down’ can be used loosely there. Was really soft and for me wasn’t a foul but his all round performance wasn’t good enough anyway.

Kristian Pedersen - 4

A terrible first-half display from the left-back who was given the boot at half-time from Bowyer. The boss alluded to the number of times Pedersen floated a cross straight to the Peterborough goalkeeper in the first 45 as a reason he was dragged off.

Ryan Woods - 5

Not the best of displays from the midfielder. Didn’t really have any affect on the game at all. A passenger for the most part.

Ivan Sunjic - 5

His mistake led to Peterborough’s opener and although he tried his best to redeem himself following that, the quality just wasn’t there.

Jordan James - 6

Looked really tired tonight. Can’t fault his effort or blame him for the fact he’s tired, he’s a young lad and needs a break. Hopefully Bowyer can get some more bodies in to take some pressure off the teenager.

Onel Hernandez - 6

Didn’t have nearly the same affect as he did against Barnsley but he was always willing to run at the man. Was key in the turnaround later on causing the Posh defence a lot of panic.

Scott Hogan - 8*

My man-of-the-match over the course of the 90. One of the very few that deserved credit for his entire performance not just the final five minutes. Got the all important equaliser, too.

Lukas Jutkiewicz - 5

Missed a great chance in the first-half. Missed a glorious one in stoppage time. His all round play was OK but he needs to have been finding the net at least once on the night.

Subs:

Jeremie Bela - 7

A key part in the game changing following his introduction. Provided the cross for the equaliser and looked so much better when moved up to left-midfield from left-back.

Gary Gardner - 7

Got the comeback rolling with a great strike on the half-volley. A good impact after a poor performance against Barnsley.

Jordan Graham - 6

Came on for the final 15 and looked brighter than a lot of the others had.

Birmingham City (4-2-2-2): Etheridge; Colin, Roberts, Mengi, Pedersen (45’ Bela); Woods, Sunjic (60’ Gardner); James (76’ Graham), Hernandez; Hogan, Jutkiewicz

Unused subs: Trueman (GK), Friend, Campbell, Bellingham

Peterborough United (3-4-1-2): Benda; Beevers, Thompson, Kent; Burrows, Norburn, Taylor, Mumba; Poku (86’ Szmodics); Marriott (60’ Morton), Clarke-Harris (86’ Knight)

Unused subs: Blackmore (GK), Grant, Tomlinson, Ward

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