Dire game. Great result.
Friedel 7 - Had little to do, what he did do he did well.
Dunne 8 - Kept it simple at times rather than risk getting caught, good debut though a bit of hoofing, I think better play will come with time.
Collins 9 - I don't think he missed a header. Looked incredibly composed and looked to play the ball often, though an few expected hoofs too.
Cuellar 8 - He's a defender. He should be a CB. I'm never going to expect much going forward from him out wide, but at the bac he delivered well and crucially will come in and cover constantly if needed.
Warnock 7 - Bit hard to shine when he was looking to link up with his new team mates but that'll come. Overwise, not overly flustered and another good debut.
Petrov 7 - Bypassed a bit, but some nice passes and interceptions as ever.
NRC 7 - Usual energy, nothing more really.
Sidwell 7 - See above. He has a knack of finding a goal scoring chance once or twice a game, but otherwise just lept the ball moving.
Milner 5 - An unusual off day for him. Misplaced passes, poor finishes, he was trying hard as ever but nothing seemed to go right. I guess he's allowed a bad game every now and then.
Young 6 - Well marshalled by the unwashed. He struggled like the entirety of the attacking force the team has, needs to really get thinking on how to overcome being taken out of the game. A few nice clever passes late on.
Gabby 7 - He was never going to have a great time on this showing but put himself about and was full of running as ever. Nice header for the goal, and really should have had 2.
Carew 7 - Came on and changed things just with his presence, gave them more to worry about and provided a couple of knockdowns one of which gave us the goal. Overhit the pass for Milner at the death which was almost worse than if he'd had a crack and missed himself imo.
The game was woeful to watch and frustrating with it. Typical clash of 451s, especially with Small Heath sitting deep worried about the counter, we were always going to find it tough going. Equally, Blues were pretty impotent going forward and whatever threat they did have from freekicks was stifled by a keen defensive display, and we certainly gave them enough freekicks and corners to test the new backline. As it is, we got the win, could have a couple more, and the victory is sweet, I'm off to send a nice rub in text to a lady I know .