Birmingham City 2, Sunderland 1: Colin Tattum's big match verdict

Oct 26 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

THERE was so much going on and swirling around this game that it was easy to forget just how crucial it was to Blues.

They had been in their worst spin of results for two years and badly needed to get back to winning ways, takeover or no takeover, Steve Bruce’s return or not.

Every point is a prisoner in the Premier League, Alex McLeish likes to say, and Blues have been held hostage for too long.

Only Fulham’s defeat of Hull City on Monday had saved them from falling into the relegation zone.

So it was a huge relief to vanquish Sunderland and, although it got hairy at the end, Blues deserved what they ended up with for a performance that was brimming with purpose – vibrant and accomplished in most departments.

The 4-4-2, with Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez paired together for the first time this season, was highly effective.

That pair’s pace and mobility provide a less static and methodical look and when James McFadden joins in as he did with such poise, Blues become a difficult proposition.

Sunderland were careless and off-ish before rousing during an enthralling finale, but don’t let that overshadow Blues’ efforts in maintaining a front-foot initiative.

Bruce’s outfit are a good, powerful unit with quality but were made to appear pretty ordinary for the best part.

Bruce got a tremendous standing ovation as he made his way trackside to the dug-outs, in recognition of his near six-year service to the club as manager.

Over the Kop side, the man who might have been his employer, Carson Yeung, settled into his seat with his entourage, plus city council leader Mike Whitby and pal/ambassador/adviser Steve McManaman.

Vico Hui, Blues’ chairman, had already taken to the pitch to give an address, during which he announced: “We are very proud to become part of this great club and the Blues family.”

Hui then did a David Gold-style walkabout around the pitch, shaking hands and kissing babies, that kind of stuff, and the warmth towards him and the new Chinese regime was palpable.