Blues Proud in Defeat

Many times, Blues have been defeated but left the fans proud. Last night was no exception. After a game between two evenly matched sides, Blues fans applauded their team off the pitch – whereas Villa booed their own team at half time.

There was very little evidence that Villa are £60m in quality better than Blues. The first half was bossed by the Championship visitors with Stephen Gleeson, in particular, superb. Between our very own Stevie G and Ashley Westwood, it looked like Gleeson was the more able midfielder.

The thing that haunted Blues in the first half was their lack of clear cut chances. After working their way into several good positions, the final ball was often wasteful. David Cotterill was a big miss. There was nothing bad about Jacques Maghoma`s performance, but Cotterill would have offered Blues that little creative edge they lacked.

On to the second half now and Tim ‘I love myself` Sherwood made the obvious changes. It was a surprise when Jack ‘greasy` Grealish was named amongst the substitutes so it was pretty clear he would be introduced after the shower of a performance Vile displayed in the first 45 minutes.

In truth, Grealish changed the game. He offered them the width they craved and was a menace for Blues` full backs. During Sherwood`s post-match press conference, he said the first half tactics were ‘pre planned`. Come off it, Tim. You got it wrong, realised your side were an awful imitation of a top flight outfit, so bought on your creative player who should never have been axed in the first place.

Blues fans have every reason to be proud. Firstly, our manager has more class in his little finger than Sherwood does in his entire body. Giving Blues no credit for their performance whatsoever proves what an arrogant moron Sherwood really is. He is stealing a living. While they take their place in the hat for the next round, last night`s win papers over all the cracks.

Secondly, Blues` players gave absolutely everything – that is all we ask. The second half saw them sapped of energy just as Villa started to grow and impose themselves on proceedings. Gleeson, Blues` heartbeat, saw less of the ball and was crowded out by a packed midfield.

The goal that won the game was a decent header and came just as Blues appeared to have weathered the storm. But the players responded well and could have forced an equaliser late on.

All in all, Blues had nothing to lose other than a place in the fourth round. Not even bragging rights have been lost because, let`s face it, if you were a Villa fan would you brag about that performance?

@TheWildeyShow