The defeat to QPR was surprising, not only because we were so poor, but because we were facing a team that had so little to play for.
Garry Monk’s explanation for the performance was that the players showed “fear” and weren’t willing to take the responsibility for their performances.
Many Birmingham fans reacting to the display on Twitter shared the manager’s sentiments:
We needed the win today. Going to be a nail biting finish to the season. Whether we stay up or go down, we need a big clear out in the summer. Monk must be able to bring in the players he needs to compete at the other end of the table and he is the manager to help us get their.
— Christopher Thomas (@ChrisThomasCRH) April 28, 2018
Don’t deserve to be in this league the way we play sometimes. Was at the game today, absolutely rubbish. Our defence don’t stand a chance when our strikers are so lumbering & sluggish – they don’t react fast enough. Gallagher? Really? #kro #league1
— Gary Marston (@MisterMarston) April 28, 2018
Typical blues in taking it right to the end. Need a favour from Derby and Preston next week. KRO
— DanielDixon (@OfficialSupDan) April 28, 2018
We only needed a point now it's down to the last game which I can't see us winning
— Treakool (@LordeMarsha) April 28, 2018
We'll be fine. KRO
— LMcK (@Kieran994245761) April 28, 2018
We can stay I'm positive draw against Fulham we good
— Jack KRO ⏺️ (@TheRealGilbertJ) April 28, 2018
Long week ahead ?
— Ryan (@4RYRY) April 28, 2018
Villa equalising could have a big impact for us because Derby would have guaranteed the play offs today. At least they need to beat barnsley next week now.
— Ian Hetherington (@IanHethers76) April 28, 2018
Wow what a climax, all play off teams have to beat all teams playing for survival… I would prefer the blues to be at the other end of the table… 1 point that all we need/ needed
— Dozza123 (@DozzaKRO) April 28, 2018
Verdict:
There was a lot wrong with the performance. The home side were clearly playing with a sense of freedom, while ours looked to be weighed down by the pressure.
Nothing before the game indicated that we would put in such a limp display, but that’s how football goes sometimes. We just didn’t show enough fight.
That will have to change next weekend against Fulham. Our fate is still in our own hands, but we are making it hard for ourselves. Once again, it comes down to a tense final day drama.