The Technical Area…A Tale of Two Defences

In a game that lacked any real spark or moments of magic, Birmingham again proved they are no easy touch with a spirited performance that repelled everything their more illustrious opponents could throw at them. Try as they may, Man Utd could not break them down, and in the end, it was a Scott Dann own goal that rescued a point for the champions.

As Fergie’s side failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s afternoon draw, December’s Manager of the Month Alex McLeish oversaw another fantastic performance that set a new club record of twelve matches unbeaten in top-flight football. Here’s some pointers on the match:

Thou Shall Not Pass

As this chalkboard shows, despite having more than three times the number of goal attempts than their hosts, United still only managed the same number of shots on target.

An incredible defensive display by the whole Birmingham team saw thirteen goal attempts blocked, as they threw bodies and limbs on the line in order to defend Joe Hart’s goal.

Champ’s Dodgy Back Continues

Shorn of their first-choice centre halves, United have lacked any sort of defensive cohesion and at St Andrews, this sloppiness showed no sign of abating. Despite not having a shot at goal until the 39th minute, Birmingham took the lead from the resultant corner, as United’s back four, failing to clear their lines, allowed Cameron Jerome to lash home from close range.

As this chalkboard shows, that was pretty much par for the course on Saturday. Birmingham’s successful clearances was an impressive 64%, whereas United’s was a mere 41%. Hardly the stats of champions, and all the more galling for Fergie was that Saturday’s managerial opponent was a stalwart at the heart of his Aberdeen defence back in the 80’s.

Blues Hungrier Than Reds

It was after the equaliser that Alex McLeish’s side showed their true character; for it was Birmingham, rather than United, who showed superior appetite for the win. As these chalkboards show, from the 64th minute onwards they pressed higher, they had more shots on target and their opponents had to clear the ball far more often.

It’s a sign of how far Birmingham have come under McLeish that, rather than sit back content with the draw, they pushed Ferguson’s team right to the final whistle.

Consistency of Selection

On Saturday evening, Big Eck sent out the same XI for the ninth league game running, whereas Fergie changed his team for the one hundredth consecutive game. Not so much a simple case of rotation for the Man Utd boss, more a combination of certain big-name signings continuing to disappoint and other squad members just not being up to scratch.

As the January transfer window brings its usual tabloid gossip, it’s perhaps symbolic of United’s current state that the Old Trafford rumours revolve around a player exodus, as opposed to major squad additions. Granted, United may still sit second in the league, but even their most ardent admirer couldn’t suggest they’ve come anywhere near hitting the heights since a certain CR7 departed these shores.

At a time when many thought they’d be scrapping for Premiership survival, Birmingham will instead look to boost their chances of a top half finish with the help of Carson Yeung‘s alleged £40m budget, as Alex McLeish continues to show his old boss just how well he has learnt.