Opinion: Player Ratings Vs. Hull City

When Hull City strolled into St.Andrews on Thursday evening they would have been expecting to walk back out of there with three points and a few more goals in their back pockets, but Birmingham City had other ideas.

Gary Rowett’ side demonstrated to not only the 18,000+ fans that were in the stadium, but to the other tens of thousands of people who were watching live on Sky Sports exactly what they are about!

The first half of football was probably about as entertaining as you will get in the Sky Bet Championship with one goal, two efforts coming back off the woodwork and an audacious overhead kick from and unlikely source in the form of Clayton Donaldson.

Blues were the dominant force in the opening 45 minutes and just before the 15 minute mark they got their reward, and what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Good pressure from David Cotterill on the right hand side allowed the ball to fall to Jon Toral in a little bit of space and after a neat turn of the edge of the box, the on loan Arsenal midfielders strike too a deflection off former Blues defender Curtis Davies which subsequently took the ball past Allan McGregor in goal.

Next to try their luck for Blues was Donaldson, just after Jake Livermore and Michael Dawson had both hit the woodwork for the travelling Tigers.

Stephen Gleeson picked the ball up on the edge of the area and floated a ball to the back stick and Donaldson met the ball acrobatically but his effort was touched over by McGregor.

Toral saw his diving header fly just past the post before half time and despite lots of pressure in the second half from Hull, Blues were able to hold on for a crucial three point against what Rowett described as the most complete team in the league.

Down below are the player ratings that I would give each individual who played a part in the fantastic win.

Kuszczak: 8 – Made several impressive saves and was outstanding throughout.

Caddis: 7 – Just what we have been missing, an attacking right back and showed why he deserved to be back in the starting line up.

Morrison: 7 – Stood tall all game and won almost everything that came his way.

Robinson: 8 – Put his body on the line several times but was lucky to get away with what looked like a clear handball.

Grounds: 7 – Did the basics well during the game and looked solid throughout.

Gleeson: 6 – Didn’t look at the races in the game but some of his passing was sublime.

Kieftenbeld: 8 – Energy was superb and he carried the team for parts of the second half.

Cotterill: 6 – Some good aspects of his game which we have been missing but his distribution in the second half was up to scratch.

Toral: 9 – My Man of the Match! Showed Rowett why he deserves to be in the side and gave us something that I don’t think Diego Fabbrini ever can and that is quality!

Maghoma: 6 – Had a below average game losing possession on several occasions but when he broke he looked good.

Donaldson: 7 – Unlucky not to score with his overhead kick and his work rate throughout was the best it has been all season.

Substitutes:

Davis: 7 – Very influential when he came on and he has really given Rowett food for thought ahead of Tuesday nights game against Blackburn Rovers.

Blues fans, do you agree with the ratings that have been given? Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!