Opinion: Player Ratings Vs. Brentford

Birmingham City made it three home wins on the bounce for the first time in nearly four years as they leapfrogged Brentford in the Championship table with a 2-1 win.

All the goals game in the second half with very little to report from the first, apart from the referee stopping play because there was a water bottle on the pitch.

Blues’ first goal came when Jon Toral was found in space on the edge of the area. The on loan Arsenal midfielder was able to turn and play a beautifully weighted pass through to Jacques Maghoma who netted his fifth goal of the season.

With less than a quarter of an hour left to play, the visitors levelled. Talisman Alan Judge struck a fierce drive from 30 yards out and Blues ‘keeper Tomasz Kuszczak was unable to hold onto the swerving ball and Philipp Hofmann scored from the rebound.

However, with just one minute of normal time left to play, Blues reverted to what the do best. A quick fire move saw to substitutes combine to make the chance for Maikel Kieftenbeld.

A smart pass from Andy Shinnie found James Vaughan and the on loan Huddersfield Town man ran into the box and his cross-come-shot found Dutchman, Kieftenbeld at the back post.

Following a dogged performance, Blues move to within two points of Ipswich Town who currently occupy the last play-off spot and below are the ratings that I would give the players based on Saturday’s performance.

Kuszczak – 7

Caddis – 6

Morrison – 8

Robinson – 7

Grounds – 7

Gleeson – 7

Kieftenbeld – 9 and my Man of the Match.

Maghoma – 9, very unlucky not to get MotM.

Toral – 7

Solomon-Otabor – 6

Donaldson – 5

Substitutes:

Shinnie – 6

Vaughan – 7

Davis – 5

Blues fans, do you agree with the ratings that have been given? Was Kieftenbeld your MotM as well? Or do you think Maghoma deserved it this week? Let us know in the comment section down below!