We go again…

God damn the international break. A defeat at the City Ground isn’t a disgrace, but as I said may happen in my article prior to the game, Blues had lost their impetus.

The momentum has dissapeared, the oomph has evaporated. And that is what happens when you have a break in the middle of a good run of form.

Clearly, two defeats from 12 games is not totally disastrous. But after today’s games, Blues will be outside of the play offs.

The best thing about a defeat in a league like this is that Blues get a chance to rectify the result on Tuesday night when they host Rotherham United at St Andrews. A big result is needed in that one before heading to Burton Albion on Friday evening. And then there is apparently some sort of highly anticipated game nine days later?!

Admittedly, when I  saw the team selection last night, the back four worried me. Paul Robinson is a great back up player to have and his experience is essential in the dressing room. But the partnership of Ryan Shotton and Michael Morrison in the heart of the back four has been the foundation that Blues’ early season success has been built on. Until last night, only two clubs had a better defensive record than Blues…

However, this is what we have a squad for. Ideally, Jonathan Spector would have been fit. Failing that, Paul Caddis would have deputised meaning Gary Rowett could leave his centre back pairing untouched. In hindsight, would Rhoys Wiggins have been a better option, albeit out of position?

In a perfect world, Robert Tesche would have  been given the chance to prove a point to his former club, but injury kept him at home.

The manager had some tough calls to make and I’m not one to say he got it wrong, but the result probably reflects that.

Alex Ferguson occasionally made a wrong decision. Pep Guardiola is a perfectionist who admits he gets things wrong. So how can we berate Rowett for the occasional tactical cock-up?

We go again. Tuesday nights game against The Millers is probably bigger than it should be at this stage.