Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has delivered a clear message to his squad following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Derby County at St Andrew's on Boxing Day, insisting it is "not a time for heads down".
Missed Opportunity Mars Festive Fixture
The Championship clash saw Patrick Agyemang fire the visitors into a first-half lead, capitalising on a defensive error from a long Derby clearance. Birmingham's equaliser came from Jack Robinson's first goal for the club, but the Blues were left to rue a late header from Robinson that struck the crossbar in stoppage time.
The match was heavily influenced by two red cards. Derby were reduced to ten men in the 39th minute when Joe Ward received a second yellow card. However, Birmingham also finished with ten after defender Christoph Klarer was sent off in added time, earning a three-match suspension.
Davies Analyses Performance and Defensive Lapse
Speaking after the match, Davies expressed his disappointment at not securing all three points, especially against ten men. "From our point of view, I think we sit here a little bit frustrated that we haven't got the three points," he said. "I think we did enough to win the match."
The manager praised aspects of his team's play, highlighting the dangerous combination of Patrick Roberts and Tomoki Iwata on the right flank. However, he was critical of the "really sloppy goal" conceded from Derby's only shot on target, stemming from a simple long ball.
"We don't give many chances away typically. I think we concede the fewest shots in the Championship, but it just took one shot today to score a goal," Davies stressed, indicating a need for analysis and correction.
Heads Up for Southampton Challenge
With the hectic festive schedule offering little respite, Davies must now prepare for a quick turnaround and a home game against Southampton on Monday. The task is complicated by Klarer's suspension and an injury to winger Demarai Gray.
Despite the extended winless run now standing at five games, the Blues boss is focusing on the positives. "As I've said to the players, it's not a time for heads down, it's a time for heads up," Davies affirmed. "We wanted more, they gave absolutely everything. I'm as frustrated as anyone that we haven't come away with three points but it's important they get heads up."
The result leaves Birmingham seeking a much-needed victory to ignite their season, with the performance against Derby providing both encouragement and clear areas for improvement.
