Chelsea v Birmingham – View from the Bridge
For tonight’s game we have teamed up with Russell from the Chelsea blog Bridge Views.
His answers to our questions are below, the answers I gave him can be found here.
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How do you think we are doing this season? Why?
Without wishing to seem patronising – much better than I would have expected. The run of fifteen or so games without defeat is pretty impressive – most teams in the league would be very happy with that and I guess that has to come down to a combination of a well-balanced squad and a good manager.
Everything seems to have gelled, but I wonder if it’s any coincidence that results have really improved since Karen Brady and co. left the club. Perhaps it’s been a happier camp since they’ve gone…
Who would you see as our player(s) to watch for on Wednesday?
Overall I think it’s been team performances that have made your season so far. If I was to pick out particular players though, Bowyer seems to have been pretty immense up until now, and McFadden is pretty solid. I’ll be looking to Ballack and whoever’s playing at the base of Ancelotti’s diamond to prevent them – particularly McFadden – from linking up with your front line.
The defensive discipline Birmingham showed against us on Boxing Day was immense (although we played into your hands a little), and I suspect it’s there that Birmingham’s main strength lies. If Johnson, Dann and Joe Hart have good games we won’t be carving out too many dangerous chances.
Realistically what do you think we should aim for, and where will we finish?
The recent run means you might be aiming higher, but I still think the main aim for you this season has to be to stay in the league. The Premier League is pretty fickle – one week everything can be going to plan and the next it all goes to pieces. Stay in the league this season – anything more is a bonus – and look to build on it next year, when it looks like there will be more money to invest in the team. All that said, I reckon anywhere between 10th and 15th would be pretty realistic.
And maybe we’ll be playing you again at Wembley in May…
Have you been to St Andrews before, what was your experience?
I actually haven’t been to St. Andrews, but mates who have been say it’s ‘nothing special but ok’. They also suggested Birmingham fans aren’t as intimidating as they used to be – has the atmosphere got a bit more sedate in the last few years?
Is there a priority of the Champions League over the Premier League as some suggest?
We have never won the Champions League before so to lift the trophy in Madrid this year would be pretty special. But, despite that, I think you would be hard-pressed to find a real Chelsea fan who would prioritise it over the league. Being crowned the best team in England is where it’s at.
Who is your biggest competition for the title, United or Arsenal? Why?
Arsenal have embarked on a pretty good run since we beat them 3-0, when it looked like they wouldn’t be able to get back into the title race. They obviously play some great football at times but there are some big flaws in that team that Wenger seems unwilling to solve.
Ever since I’ve started watching football Man Utd have been winning titles – them being up there is just one of those dull, monotonous things you can rely on. People complained that we were dominating English football when we won the league in 2005 and 2006, but how often have Utd picked up the title in the last twenty years?
Without Ronaldo they’re not nearly as threatening going forward, but Rooney is finding some form, they have huge experience and, when they get their defence sorted, they will stop hemorrhaging points. They are more physically and mentally resilient than Arsenal and, if Chelsea win the title, I’d wager it will be with Utd finishing a close second.
Was the 7-2 beating of Sunderland the best Chelsea performance of the season or were Sunderland just really poor?
If you score seven goals, it’s a special performance. Saying that, Sunderland’s defence had clearly taken the day off.
If I was to pick the best performance of the season, it would have to be the three nil win at the Emirates. The media was bigging up Arsenal as potential title challengers, and it felt like most were championing the cause of Wenger’s supposed young footballing geniuses. As it was, the game was a Chelsea masterclass in power, skill and effectiveness from front to back, and Drogba was simply unplayable. A good day.
Who’s been your player of the season so far?
No question really – it would have to be Didier Drogba. He might not have had much of a game up at St. Andrews, but there’s barely been a game this season where he hasn’t been the best player on the pitch. I think in total he’s scored 19 goals and made 7 assists. Overall, before he went off to the African Cup of Nations I think he had single-handedly scored or created 49% of the team’s goals.
Most won’t believe this too, but he’s cleaned up his act a little this season. Aside from Terry and potentially Lampard, there isn’t a player in the squad who takes half as much personal responsibility for getting a result than Drogba.
Prediction for the Birmingham game?
I’d be pretty confident – if it hadn’t been for the game on Boxing Day when we never really looked like getting all three points. But most teams don’t come away from Stamford Bridge with one point, let alone three, so perhaps we’ll steal it. A closely fought one nil.
Everton v Birmingham A Toffee’s Perspective of Things
I spoke to Tom who runs Everton blog Post Match Pint. Here are his answers to the questions I have set him.
What is your view of how things are going on the pitch at our Blues?
The results speak for themselves! At the start of the season you struggled to score goals and with all the uncertainty off the pitch I thought another relegation might be on the cards. However since the takeover things seemed to have clicked on the pitch as well. With money promised in January things could be looking up.
Where do you think we need to strengthen?
Hmm tough one. You have good players right throughout the team – Hart, Johnson, Bowyer, Benitez, so I guess it is a case of trying to strengthen everywhere with quality. If a few injuries hit I don’t think you have the back up players to maintain your good form.
Do you think we will survive the drop or are we legitimately looking higher?
I think staying up will always be the priority – look at Hull last year, they got a bit to cocky and nearly paid the price. However you’re playing with confidence so there is no reason to not keep raising your expectations as the season progresses.
Which player(s) do you think are our danger man/men in regard of Sunday’s game?
Benitez and Jerome (if fit) seem to be in form. Seb Larsson bagged a few good goals recently, as has Lee Bowyer. Your team is full of confidence so all need to be watched. Toffees fans will also keep an eye out for former Blues Carsley and McFadden.
Everton fans must be a little disappointed with the start to the season so far – where is it going wrong at the moment?
Injuries mainly! We had our entire spine of our side taken out last year (Jagielka, Areteta, Yakubu) and it has only got worse this season. (Neville,Vaughan Anichebe, Rodwell, Distin, Yobo, Gosling and Rodwell are all out as well).
Most teams bar the big four would struggle with our injury list. It is frustrating as I reckon our first team, when all players our fit, are capable of challenging for a top four spot. Off the field financial problems and the Lescott situation unsettled the side at the start and Moyes had to buy players very late in the transfer window. Then we had the ground move rejected by the government so it has all been a bit crazy. However we had two battling draws against Spurs and Chelsea so we hope we have turned the corner now. Unfortunately I think we are too far behind in the race for Europe so we may have to settle for a top 8 finish at best ?though lets move away from the relegation zone first!).
Do you think Moyes is the right man for the job, reason why yes or no.
Yes. Had he had the right backing financially from the chairman I’m convinced he would have had us in the Champions League by now. He has done a fantastic job turning the club from a relegation side to one that regularly finishes in the top six, without spending a fortune (unlike sides like Spurs who seem to spend money for fun!) But every time he has looked to push us on he has been forced to sell or operate on a very tight budget. The small squad and the ‘team spirit’ that has emerged from it has been of benefit, but if we want to try and break into that top four we need to spend big money, and for that we need a new chairman, not a new manager.
Do you think your run in the Europa cup is distracting you regarding the premier league, and do you think you can win the cup – or would you rather be out of it?
I think we would have struggled in the league regardless, though the extra games didn’t help with the small squad. It’s strange as so many teams strive to get into Europe then don’t want to be in it when they do. I personally love the European nights at Goodison and would hate to see the players not take it seriously. We have got Sporting Lisbon coming up and potential? Atletico Madrid. With us so far behind in the league, as long as we pull away from the zone I think we should go for it (and maybe be Liverpool in the final!!!)
What should I have asked and what is your answer?
Issues troubling Everton fans at the moment – the chairman and the ground move.
I’m a big Bill Kenwright fan, most Blues are, and like having a Everton fan at the helm. But the reality is he is skint and if we want to progress we need new investment. He once said that the search for a new owner is going on 24/7 but while we see other clb getting bought out and the likes of City and Villa overtake us it gets frustrating. Either way I get the feeling things will come to a head soon.
With the ground move, most fans were against the move to Kirkby or felt it was the only option. However if given the choice a redeveloped Goodiosn would be the dream (not a ground share!!!). But that is expensive too. If there is an Evertonian with a billion quid burning a hole in his back pocket and is willing to build a new ground and give some to Moyes, now is the time to act!!
What do you think the result will be?
It will be close and it is not a good time to be playing you. However we have to build on the last two results and think we may nick it. I’ll go a tight and very nervy 2-1 Everton win (**crossing fingers!!**)
Tell me a little bit about yourself Tom, what do you do and how long have you been running your blog?
PostMatchPint began in February 2009 as a result of my work writing blogs for Betfair, it was the perfect combination of my work and passion, with blogs I write for work as well as my own rants about Everton being put up on the site. I grew up near Liverpool before moving to Leeds and finally I have made the dramatic move to Sydney, where following the Blues will involve late nights and satellite TV instead of my usual trip across the M62 to Goodison Park. I hope we are still in the Premier League when I get back!
Blues begin to prove the doubters wrong – “adifferentleague”
Filed under: Blues News, By Other Supporters, Kev's Ramblings
The following article appeared on the general football site A Different League. It was written by Joe Russell, and was pointed out by one of our forum members. The original link to the article is here, and the main site is here.
I thought you might like the opportunity to read it, they have given me permission to re-publish it here. Note that it was written at the weekend, so our position in the league has changed a little since.
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Birmingham City continue to defy all previous punditry expectations. A sixth game unbeaten and more importantly, a win came away at Wigan to show the doubters that this is a new Birmingham side. Indeed, it would appear that manager Alex McLeish has noted the new perception of Blues: “At the beginning of the season we got written-off a wee bit and people have seen us now and changed their mind about that, so that’s brilliant.” For Blues fans, their position of eighth in the league table is significant for many reasons.
Firstly, it shows how far the side have come. Recently promoted, Alex McLeish was initially worried that his side were four or five players short of a squad that could compete in the Premier League. Although the season still feels young, we are 15 games in. For Birmingham, to be in eighth place is a positive indictment of how far the second city side have come. Secondly, the Blues are only five points behind local rivals, Aston Villa. This should be an extremely exciting prospect for Birmingham fans. After the derby game earlier in the season, it was easy to see a divide between the two sides even though Villa were not at their best. However, recent performances would indicate that Birmingham would not succumb to a defeat quite so easily if the two had to meet next week.
One of Birmingham’s main problems this season has been a lack of goals. The newly signed Christian Benitez has failed to meet expectations and although Blues have a plethora of other attacking options, there has been a distinct lack of goals at St. Andrews this season. Saturday’s game changed both of those thoughts. Benitez scored their second goal which contributed to the eleven minute annihilation of Wigan’s defence. Blues manager McLeish lavished praise over his side. However, he was correct to warn players and fans not to get too carried away by their current, lofty position: “We know how fickle it can be in the Premier League. You can lose a couple of games and rocket down the table.”
A quick look at the table shows Blues to be just five points off a Champions League place, but five points the other way lie fifteenth place Hull, a position that would not be quite as comfortable. At this point last season, Hull had accumulated 26 points, five more than Birmingham. Their quick demise is now legendary and McLeish will be determined that his over-achievers do not follow suit. However, for Birmingham, there seems to be much more substance to their attack on the Premier League’s top half than Hull’s short lived time at the top.
Whilst Hull were completely new to the league and had what appeared to be an amalgamation of players with different objectives that eventually ended in a slump in form, Birmingham have Premier League experience. When watching them, it is clear to see that they are all pulling in the same direction. They are playing with a purpose. They stifle the opposition’s attack, something shown by their impressive defensive record. They are sharp in midfield and usually take at least one opportunity a game. Although this could all change in a heartbeat, it is more likely than not that Birmingham will continue to defy critics, in the main due to the opportunity to buy in the upcoming transfer window.
Analysing their current squad, it isn’t immediately apparent that they need any new reinforcements. They are well stocked defensively, with a central partnership that will surely be catching the eye of the top four as they look for young, English defenders. Roger Johnson and Scott Dann were two of McLeish’s riskier acquisitions, something that he recognised: “People say you get what you pay for and if you buy Championship players, that’s where you end up but I think these players have got it in them to be top Premier League players.” They have vindicated McLeish’s decision to sign them by applying commitment and accomplished performances to City’s cause.
All of their recent joys are the complete antithesis to the aura around the club prior to Yeung’s takeover. Left delusional by the owners David Gold and David Sullivan, City fans were unhappy by the mess that the board had apparently got the club into. Police investigations, scandal over Karen Brady’s supposed pay-off followed, but now all of that seems to have been forgotten. Birmingham is a team on the up, and with new money and a new owner, it may be that Blues can take part of their neighbour’s motto and pronounce that they are the ones with the bright future.
A Wolves Blogger Speaks to Joys and Sorrows
Filed under: Blues News, By Other Supporters, Kev's Ramblings
We have linked up with Tom, who runs the Wolves blog called Wolves Blog
We have both answered similar questions of each others sides. Below are Toms answers and you can find my answers on Tom’s blog here.
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1. What is your view of how things are going on the pitch at the Blues?
Undoubtedly, Birmingham have started the season incredibly well, which I’m not at all surprised by. You’re strong at the back, which gives you a great platform to build on in matches and means you’ll be competitive in the majority of games you play, as we’ve already seen at Man Utd and Liverpool.
You’re also picking off the lesser sides by the odd goal, which will continue to keep you away from the bottom if you can keep it up. And if injuries don’t cause you problems at the back, I don’t see any reason you can’t continue as you have been.
2. Where do you think we need to strengthen?
As stated, I think you’re already pretty well equipped defensively, but perhaps could do with a bit more quality going forward (couldn’t we all). Benitez looks a useful player, but I’d imagine Mcleish will be looking for more firepower up front and more creativity in midfield come January.
3. Do you think we will survive the drop?
It’s a difficult question to answer, given the tight nature of the league at present and with January transfer madness to come. You’re sitting nicely in mid-table as we speak, but defeat on Sunday would leave you only two points ahead of Wolves. I think for Blues, it’s just a case of carrying on what they’ve been doing; grinding out the wins against the lesser sides and trying to grab the odd point off the bigger boys.
If I had to put money on it right now, I’d back you to stay up, although I don’t think you’ll be too far north of the bottom three.
4. Which player(s) do you think are our danger man/men in regard of sunday’s game?
I’d be a fool not to highlight Cameron Jerome as a danger, given the fact that he seems to love playing against Wolves. Benitez also looks like he’s on the brink of really doing the business for you and I just hope that potential isn’t fully realised on Sunday. McFadden is also match winner on his day and definitely one to keep an eye on.
5. Wolves fans must be a little disappointed with the start to the season so far – where is it going wrong at the moment?
The big problem for Wolves is that they haven’t done a good enough job of taking points against the teams in and around us. Losing at home to Pompey and West Ham, whilst only taking a point off Hull isn’t good enough. Credible draws against Everton, Stoke and Villa (all games we could have won) show that we have the potential to compete in the Premiership, but you need to compliment those kind of results with wins against the bottom sides, particularly at home.
Also, our best players from last season have yet to find their feet, which is disappointing. The likes of Kightly, Iwelumo, Ebanks-Blake and Foley have all had injuries and are struggling to get back into form, which has undoubtedly contributed to our current position.
6. Do you think McCarthy is the right man for the job, reason why yes or no.
Since I’ve been following the Wolves (20 or so years) Mick McCarthy is the best manager we’ve had. Not that there’s much competition of course.
The club got blown apart when Hoddle left and the money dried up, so the job Mick has done to rebuild everything from scratch is unbelievable. There’s a great spirit in the squad at the moment. The players all want to play for Mick and if we got rid of him, the wheels would almost certainly start to come off. Results haven’t been great up to this point, but I still believe he’s the man for the job. Even if we do go down, I have faith he’d bring us straight back up.
7. Do you think the side is stronger than the last time you were in the Prem?
Yes, definitely.
We had better quality in some areas of the pitch back in 2003, but just didn’t have the legs to compete. Most of our players were over 30 and it really showed at times, particularly towards the end of games.This time around, we’ve got a young side, which perhaps lacks a bit of know-how at this level, but I believe there’s enough in the squad to keep us up. I didn’t have that belief the last time.I still think Ebanks-Blake and Doyle will get us the goals we need and star players from last season like Kightly and Foley will come good to give us that bit extra. In saying that, I’d like to see reinforcements in January, particularly in defence.
8. What should I have asked and what is your answer?
You should have asked: What was your favourite ever Wolves match against the Blues?
To which I would have answered: 3-2 to Wolves at Molineux in the 1995/96 season. Blues went 2-1 up thanks to the most farcical penalty decision I’ve ever seen when Kevin Francis kicked thin air. Andy Thompson equalised from the spot and who else but Bully slid home the winner in the dying seconds. If you still had Michael Johnson playing at the back and we still had Bully playing up front, I’d have no doubt in mind that we’d score. He always gave him a torrid time.
9. What do you think the result will be?
I have to say that Wolves will win because any other result just doesn’t bear thinking about. We’re long overdue a league win against the Blues and it’s crucial that we finally get one. Saying that, we must get the first goal or I think we’re in big trouble. But it’s about time Ebanks-Blake starting firing this season, so I’m going for a narrow 2-1 win for Wolves and SEB to score both.
Tell us a little bit about yourself Tom, what do you do and how long have you been running your blog?
I’m 25 year young, born and raised a Wolves fan and have had a season ticket since I can remember.
I’m actually a professional writer and website marketer, so it’s been long-held desire of mine to do a blog about my beloved team. Unfortunately, time and a serious lack of motivation prevented me from starting, until a burst of enthusiasm got me going at the start of this season (probably still on a high from last year).
Since kicking-off the blog, I’ve been lucky enough to recruit a top bloke called Ben to help me run the site. We’ve also got a great community of followers, who can share opposing views and throw around some banter without getting personal. It’s a really fun thing to do and I can’t see myself giving it up anytime soon, even if it becomes a Championship blog next season (which it won’t)!
Birmingham City v Manchester City – a Blogger’s Perspective
Filed under: Blues News, By Other Supporters, Kev's Ramblings
We have joined up with Man City blogger Danny Pugsley who runs the Manchester City blog bitter and blue. (Not bitter and twisted as previously written! Sorry Danny. Anyway, we both answered some questions from each other.
My answers for Danny’s questions can be found here, and below you will find Danny’s responses to my questions.
Thanks for doing this Danny.
Kev
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Do you feel that you will become a bigger club than your neighbours?
It is a difficult task to become bigger as such, given their achievements over the last twenty years in particular which, having coincided with the explosion of the Premier League popularity has ensured they have a huge global presence to go with the trophies they have won and history they have built up.
The new ownership that is in place has clearly got big ideas and plans for the club though, and what is impressive is that their focus seems to be on what we can achieve and creating something in our own right rather than aiming to be the ‘next whoever’ or focusing on what United are doing – something I don’t feel we have always done.
Did Shinawatra tarnish your club?
Looking back the answer is a definite yes. It is fair to say that his unsavoury past (which were only allegations at that stage it has to be said) was largely glossed over because of the money he brought to the club but as the season he was in charge (2007/08) progressed it was clear that the problems were anything but going away.
We are fortunate that not only did the new ownership rescue us when they did as it is frightening to think what position we could have been in had they not, but the way they have gone about things in terms of development of the club, vision, continuing ties with the community, academy etc has meant that although the Shinawatra era is a stain on the clubs history any damage caused has been repaired.
How do you feel about being owned by people from abroad?
When both Shinawatra and ADUG respectively took control of the club I don’t see where they were from as being an issue – and feel that is a view of the overwhelming majority. Most fans of course just want to see more money being ploughed in (see Liverpool wanting the Yanks replaced with the Sheikhs) so overlook geography.
As proved with our current ownership group, it is not where they are from but their approach to the club, fans, history etc that is important and whilst we were guarded at first when they came in they have most definitely been warmly received. Having unlimited pots of cash to lavish on the club doesn’t harm their standing either!
Did moving to the new ground make a difference to the supporters either good or bad?
Whilst it was sad to leave Maine Road, we had outgrown the place in terms of capacity (35,000) and it needed expanding and rebuilding so it was the right decision to move although for nostalgic reasons you always look back fondly at it.
The stadium we have is fantastic, well sized (with the potential to grow further I believe) with great views etc. I think it has taken longer than anticipated for fans to ‘settle’ though, and atmosphere has definitely suffered in the seasons since the move.
I would say last season and so far this one though – perhaps coinciding with better fortunes on the pitch – this seems to have been rectified and maybe it is finally a place to call ‘home’ and start generating its own memories and history.
Which of the big money signings has made the difference, and is there one you wish didn’t happen?
All of the signings that Mark Hughes has brought in have been for a reason and all fit into a certain role within the side and squad. It is early days of course but all have impressed for different reasons and none have ‘flop’ written all over them.
Most impressive so far this season is Craig Bellamy though. Hughes took a lot of flak from fans and the media when he signed him but he has been sensational so far this season.
From what you have seen of us this season, do you think we have the wherewithall to stay up?
Definitely. You look to be in a far stronger position squad wise than when you were last in the Premier League, although (like most teams to be fair) look to lack a genuine goalscorer and as it has been shown with promoted sides it is wins, not avoiding defeats that keep you up.
The injection of cash will be useful in January and could be vital in bringing in goals at a crucial time.
I do think you will survive, and your case will be helped by the increasing number of poor sides at the bottom end of the league,
Which of the squad should we be worried about on Sunday?
It is difficult to know precisely what the side will be as we have players back from injury now (who did well in midweek in the Carling Cup). Whilst we are strong in all areas – particularly in attack and whilst his goal ratio could be better Carlos Tevez has the ability to run the defence all over, which frees up space for the rest of the attackers.
Prediction?
2-0 to us.
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