Birmingham City Secures Fourth Consecutive West Midlands Derby Victory Over West Bromwich Albion in a Controversial Comeback

 

Birmingham City Secures Fourth Consecutive West Midlands Derby Victory Over West Bromwich Albion in a Controversial Comeback

After an early 20-yard goal by John Swift put Albion ahead, the game took a pivotal turn with a controversial penalty decision in favor of the Blues in the 23rd minute. Albion's Cedric Kipre was judged to have fouled Koji Miyoshi, even though it seemed Miyoshi had slipped, and Juninho Bacuna converted the penalty.

Dion Sanderson, a former Wolves defender, then headed in a second goal for the Blues in the 38th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround in the first half. The match's outcome was sealed by a superb free-kick from substitute Gary Gardner in the 87th minute, just five minutes after he entered the field.

This victory marked Blues' second consecutive home win in four nights, following their 4-1 triumph over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. It also propelled John Eustace's team to fifth place in the Championship table, surpassing Albion.

Albion's defeat not only ended their six-game unbeaten streak but also came at the cost of losing their top scorer, John Swift, to a calf injury in the second half.

Prior to their midweek win, Blues, led by Eustace, had endured a six-game winless streak. The match started with Swift's early goal, showcasing his exceptional accuracy with a low, well-struck shot from 20 yards. This shot curled just inside the left upright of Blues' goalkeeper, John Ruddy.

However, the Blues managed to level the score when Kipre contested a challenge inside the penalty area against Miyoshi. Kipre then appealed for a goal-kick, claiming that the ball had last touched a Blues player before going out of play. To Albion's dismay, the referee, James Linnington, pointed to the penalty spot. Bacuna converted the penalty, sending Albion's goalkeeper, Alex Palmer, in the wrong direction.

Just seven minutes before halftime, Blues took the lead when Cody Drameh delivered a well-placed free-kick from the right, and Sanderson rose above the defense to powerfully head the ball over the backpedaling Palmer.

In the early stages of the second half, Darnell Furlong had an opportunity to equalize for Albion but narrowly missed from close range. Albion then began to dominate the game, raising hopes of an equalizer. However, Birmingham sealed the victory three minutes before the end of regulation time. Scott Hogan, a home substitute, was fouled just outside the box by Kipre. Gardner stepped up and curled a magnificent right-footed free-kick into the top left corner, leaving Palmer with no chance.

Both teams now have a 15-day break before their next matches due to the international break. Birmingham City will face Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 21, while Albion will host Plymouth Argyle.

After the game, Birmingham City boss John Eustace expressed his satisfaction with the referee's decision, believing that it provided a much-needed spark to his team. He also praised Gary Gardner's exceptional free-kick, highlighting his hard work to reach this level.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan, on the other hand, was frustrated with the referee's decision, which he believed changed the course of the game. Despite the setback, he emphasized the importance of not getting carried away in the competitive Championship.

Additionally, Corberan mentioned that John Swift had to leave the game due to a calf injury, but the extent of his absence remained uncertain.