Birmingham City 0, Stoke City 0: Colin Tattum's big match verdict

Aug 24 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

And there would have been no desire, or perhaps ability, to keep passing the ball, keep moving the ball or keep asking for the ball.

Often derided in recent seasons (incorrectly) as hoofball merchants, here were Blues again trying to be slick on the deck and calmly rise above the bully-beef mayhem all around.

That they didn’t make any headway was due to a lack of blue-chip inspiration – something that Stoke are also seeking – sharpness and speed when it came to the crunch, and the visitors’ strength, discipline and high-tempo approach.

The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock was in the 63rd minute when Garry O’Connor appeared to have steered Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick beyond Thomas Sorensen, only for the goalkeeper to defy with a flying save.

Carr thwarted Liam Lawrence’s hurried hacks right in front of goal in a first half when Blues, after an initial rocky opening, stood firm against what Stoke had to offer. In midfield, Blues were diligent but never able to cut loose. Lee Bowyer, back after suspension, didn’t get going properly and the forwards went for long stretches without decisive service.

Christian Benitez came on for his stock cameo but probably came off in a daze considering the way Stoke’s strong-arm, but fair, treatment, brushed him off.

Undoubtedly, Blues have to find ways of unlocking the door, however sturdy it may be.

Their only goal so far has come from James McFadden’s penalty and, somewhat strangely, the only game when they have created a fair number of chances or suggested goals were within them was at Manchester United.

On the flip side, Blues have got an air of doggedness about them, which they surrendered at times on their way to relegation in 2007-08, and remain keen to play with thought and patience rather than just hope for the best.

This was the first draw of the Premier League season and a little landmark for Blues: their last back-to-back clean sheets at this level were in April 2006; they only kept three all told the season before last.

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