Birmingham City player ratings vs West Brom: Two ‘confident’ 8/10s but one 5/10 ‘under-performer’

Birmingham City rounded off pre-season in style, thrashing local rivals West Bromwich Albion 4-1 at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Saturday afternoon.

It was a terrific display from start to finish as Blues forced the Baggies into an array of defensive errors with a relentless high press. Alfie May scored two more to make it five before the new campaign even gets underway, while fellow signings Willum Willumsson and Christoph Klarer netted to round off an impressive rout.

The only real negative of the clash was an injury suffered by Krystian Bielik. The club’s new captain went down holding his left shoulder and was forced off before the break, with his arm in a sling.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s silence for the Birmingham-born ex-West Brom player and caretaker boss Craig Shakespeare, who sadly passed away this week aged 60. It was a fitting tribute and one that was observed excellently by the 8,284 supporters in attendance.

West Brom came out the blocks the better of the two teams but Birmingham weathered the storm and took the lead in the 21st minute. Siriki Dembele did brilliantly to drive into the heart of Albion’s defence before squaring the ball to May, who showed great composure to net under Alex Palmer. Albion should’ve defended better as they allowed Dembele far too much space to dribble and pass through.

Blues gained confidence from their opener as they began to dominate possession, controlling proceedings for a long period. A penalty probably should’ve been awarded, too, as Koji Miyoshi turned exquisitely in the box and appeared to be brought down by both Torbjorn Heggem and Kyle Bartley.

Albion finally got into their stride approaching half time and levelled up the scoring through captain Bartley. The experienced central defender got himself into a dangerous position from a recycled set-piece and poked the ball home from close range. The cross had deflected and looped over Krystian Bielik to fall into Bartley’s path for 1-1.

Just like in the first period, West Brom started the second half the more impressive but to no avail. Alex Mowatt went close to giving his side the lead but thrashed his effort over the crossbar. Tom Fellows did brilliantly in the build-up, beating Alex Cochrane for pace and hanging a cross toward the far post.

Birmingham, inspired by the introductions of Emil Hansson and Marc Leonard off the bench, began to improve midway through the half and regained their advantage – before extending it further just a few minutes later.

A dangerous corner from Miyoshi bounced around and was met clinically by Christoph Klarer to make it 2-1. Just a few phases of play on, Klarer nodded on a long ball to Willum Willumsson, who rounded Alex Palmer with ease and passed into an open net for 3-1.

Things went from bad to worse for West Brom in the 82nd minute as May netted his second goal of the game. Semi Ajayi was dispossessed on the edge of his own area and it was fed through for May to effectively dribble the ball into the net for 4-1. Birmingham finished the game in emphatic fashion, making their rivals appear well below par. Divisions apart, you say?

Birmingham City player ratings vs West Brom

Here are our ratings from the 4-1 win over the Baggies, with brief explanations for every player.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell - 6

Will be disappointed by the nature of Bartley’s goal as he could do very little at such close range. Commanded his area well for the most part.

Ethan Laird - 7 (off 77’)

Put in two outstanding sliding tackles to deny Karlan Grant shooting opportunities. Had mixed success with his crossing but worked the flank well and fought to win his ground duels.

Dion Sanderson - 7

Anticipated crosses well and was strong in his individual battles with the likes of Karlan Grant and Torbjorn Heggem. Inconsistent with his diagonal long-range passing, mind.

Krystian Bielik (C) - 7 (off 45’) 

The new skipper put in several crucial defensive contributions in the first half, including a pivotal sliding challenge on Tom Fellows. Forced off with what looked like a painful shoulder injury, held in a sling as he left the field.

Alex Cochrane - 7 (off 83’)

Kept Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong at bay for big periods, notably putting in two brilliantly-timed sliding tackles. Made several runs to advance down the left flank, sometimes losing possession but making up for it with his threat.

Jordan James - 6 (off 68’)

Enjoyed a good battle with his opposite number, John Swift. Battled hard to win back possession and attempt a few ambitious through balls. Did have one wild shot go over early doors, though.

Paik Seung-ho - 5 (off 83’)

Broke up the play but had a tough game with his passing, often giving away possession. One ball was especially bad as he played it straight out for a corner. An under-performer on the day, but he’ll come back fighting.

Willum Willumson - 7

Scored the goal to make sure of the victory, rounding Alex Palmer. Executed a couple of defence-splitting passes but they came to nothing. Composed in possession as he took his time to deliver the correct passes.

Siriki Dembele - 8 (off 68’)

Confident and direct with his dribbling, cutting inside from the left to cause all sorts of problems. Assisted May’s goal with a perfect example of just that. A much better effort defensively than previously seen, too.

Koji Miyoshi - 7 (off 77’)

Turned expertly in the box and probably should have won a penalty in the 29th minute, unlucky to not.

Alfie May - 8 (off 83’)

An excellent finish to open the scoring and great composure late on to make it 4-1, netting his  fourth and fifth goals of pre-season. Deserved his goals as he pressed very high, displaying top commitment. Floated well between the centre-halves to win fouls high up the pitch.

Christoph Klarer - 8 (on 45’)

Brought on in unfortunate circumstances due to Bielik’s injury but ended up being crucial to the win. Scored the goal for 2-1 with good anticipation and then set up Willumsson for Blues’ third. Two brilliant attacking contributions from the defender.

Emil Hansson - 7 (on 68’)

Showed great confidence with some top footwork.

Marc Leonard - 7 (on 68’)

Linked up the play well to help Blues dominate proceedings in the latter stages.