Currently, Birmingham City fans feel they have little to cheer about. One win in seven matches, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Forssell was back and Heskey had proved he could score goals. The two were going to bring this club into European competition.The results have just not been there and the the competition has been some of the softest in the league. City look to be a ready target for the Gunners and a sure way to get on track.
As the competition looks to bring out the old 4-5-1 against the Gunners, I don’t see City being much different. The back four will stay flat with the likes of Upson, Melchiot, Cunningham and Clapham. Butt will secure a spot just ahead of them and act as anchor and midfielder/ defenseman. Pennant, Gray and Jarosik should work the counter more towards the wings. Heskey will filter back towards the midfielders and Forssell will surge forward. More like a 4-1-3-1-1.
City have been so disappointing that they have had little air time and only a few television appearances. Against WBA and their only win, 3-2, City kept constant possession. They had a fast pace forward and worked short and long crosses into the 18. Pennant kept the pressure on and it resulted in several goals. All that said, what one plays against WBA is not usually the same as they play against the Gunners. It will be unfortunate because the pace and entertainment value of that match was extraordinary.
City come off last weekends 2-2 draw to Liverpool. Pool looked slow and City looked to be the smarter of the two. Only the grace of the football gods, and the swift parry of an unsuspecting fullback, got Liverpool the point. City will try to build on the knowledge that they can compete against the top 5, and carry that into this match.
I believe that City have the tools to move into the top 10 and fight for a Euro berth. Right now it’s just a matter of chemistry and confidence. The Gunners need to take advantage of this match, at home, and grab all three points. The next time we see City, they should be much improved and far more consistent.
Arsenal 2-0 Birmingham City
8 Responses to “Birmingham City- Home of the Blues, and I don’t mean their shirt color”
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September 30th, 2005 at 9:09 pm
I believe Jarosik is still injured which helps us as he is a decent player who never got a run at Chelsea. This is a game that could result in a landslide victory and we need one desperately! I would love to see the ‘Dutch triangle’ up front, R.V.P, ‘Q’ supported by bergkamp. Lets rest Reyes, stick him on the bench, if we are to achieve anything this year we will need to blood the attacking options and what better game than this to gamble on? I`ll stick my neck out and predict that if we get an early goal (1st 5-10 minutes) we`ll stick 5 or more in the net! Whats that! NBG being optimistic!!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:21 pm
Yes, Birmingham is an enigma… I agree with KY Gunnner, that eventually they will right their ship and play far better than they have started…
hope it doesn’t begin Saturday.
I REALLY hope the big win in the CL carries over for the Arsenal… the win should be a great confidence boost for some of our young Gunners, and that type of experience is invaluable. Hopefully we build on it… and post 3 points on Sunday. An early goal ALWAYS helps. (as shown in Amsterdam)… It causes the oppostion to come out of its shell a bit, and not play so defensive. The longer the game goes 0-0, the more difficult it is for us… the closer a team gets to a draw with us, the more they pack their box and play behind the ball. You KNOW Pennant will be up for this one, and he has the ability to cause us some problems… but I like us to take care of business…
2-1 to the Arsenal.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:40 pm
The trouble with Pennant is he loses his head, I wouldn`t be surprised if he got a red tomorrow!
October 1st, 2005 at 1:09 am
Birmingham haven’t lost away from home in three games but they have a lot of players injured. We have our own share of injuries but Lehmann and RvP return. This is a crucial game for Reyes and RvP. Their combination did not work well against West Ham and they will be keen to prove that they are capable of leading Arsenal’s frontline in the absence of Henry. I am hoping atleast one of them gets on the scoresheet. Our defence is doing well and Campbell should be able to contain Heskey. Ditto with Cole and Pennant. So I am looking at 1-0 or 2-0 to Arsenal.
October 1st, 2005 at 1:21 am
Hidden messages aside, I completely agree with every single word. ;^)
2-1 to The Arsenal. Pennant to get at least one booking, fouling Freddie.
Goals from Reyes and Sol.
October 1st, 2005 at 1:33 am
Okay lets start a book on bookings! Pennant see`s red followed by Sol for 2 yellows (there goes our defence) and Freddy, Reyes,and Cole pick up 1 each for bad tackles…..with Reyes adding a 9.5 booking for diving in the area! They then lose their goalie and we lose ours! 5-1 Arsenal.
October 1st, 2005 at 5:09 am
Should be an easy Arsenal win on paper….
It also seems both teams have players out injured and once again the main match up will depend on how Cole handles Pennant (his close friend)….
I do think Arsenal will win 3-1 maybe even 3-0 especially if they score early….Reyes 2 goals!!
October 1st, 2005 at 10:48 am
Thus proving we’re still the most entertaining side in the league! :^)
I would be delighted if we went into the second half with 9 men on both sides. That’s a lot of space!