8pm GMT Kick Off, Bramall Lane, Championship
An Early Goal For Birmingham Gave Them The Edge As They Come Away From Bramall Lane With The Three Points.
In the 19th minute, Maxime Colin gave Birmingham the lead with his head, which came as a shock to many. Sheffield United couldn’t seem to break the Birmingham defense, and will be disappointed losing their opening game of the season.
There weren’t many chances at the beginning of the game, but the first real oppurtunity resulted in a goal for Birmingham. Jeremie Bela found a bit of space and crossed the ball towards the back post. Maxime Colin rose and headed the ball into the corner of the net.
Minutes later, Sheffield came close to pulling it back level. Oliver Burke made a clever run off the shoulder of the defender and hit his shot first time, which cannoned back off the post.
Then it was Lys Mousset who found space and had a go. His shot was dragged just wide of the target.
With ten minutes to go until the half time whistle, Sheffield pushed for an equaliser. John Fleck came close to doing so after a ball from Mousset picked him out in the area, but his shot was blocked and turned behind for a corner.
Just before the break, Oliver Norwood drove forward with the ball and decided to have a go from distance, which looked like it would beat the keeper, but it also sailed past the post.
After Sheffield had to make an early second half sub, Rhian Brewster came to live, and tried to grab an instant goal as he beat his defender and got his shot away. Luckily for the away team, Marc Roberts was there to block the attempt.
Then his strike partner, David McGoldrick made a dangerous run off the wing and tried to curl it around the keeper, but it was just off target.
Moments later, Sheffield were let off the hook, as Colin put another header in the back of the net, after a bit of brilliant play by Tahith Chong. However, the referee blew for a free kick in United’s favour.
Scott Hogan should have added the much needed second. Lukas Jutkiewicz headed the ball down in the area, Hogan was there and got to the ball before anyone else could but his effort travelled over the crossbar.
Sheffield kept their momentum up, but just couldn’t get a golden oppurtunity. The best chance was from a Ben Osborn cross, but no one was there to turn it home and Birmingham were able to hold onto the three points.
Birmingham start their season in the best possible fashion, and now head home, were they will face Colchester United at St Andrew’s on Tuesday.
As for Sheffield United, they will have to pick themselves up as they face Carlisle United on Tuesday at Bramall Lane, were they will be hoping to have a greater attacking threat.
Man Of The Match: Tahith Chong
The Dutchman made his debut for Birmingham after being loaned in from Manchester United this summer, and started really well for his new club.
He created a lot of problems for Sheffield and also won the ball back a number of times in midfield. The Birmingham supporters will be hoping that the injury that forced him off won’t be too serious, and he will be back for their next outing.
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Final Whistle 