Birmingham City secured a dramatic late victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, with summer signings Marvin Ducksch and Kyogo Furuhashi delivering crucial goals to claim three precious Championship points. The win came on a significant day for the club, which had just announced the acquisition of a new striker, adding further intrigue to the squad dynamics.
Summer Signings Step Up When It Matters Most
In what manager Chris Davies described as a "typical" response, his established attacking duo sent a clear message to the new arrival by producing match-winning contributions. German forward Marvin Ducksch broke the deadlock with his seventh goal of the campaign, demonstrating why he has been Davies' preferred partner for Jay Stansfield throughout the season.
"It's absolutely typical! It's funny how it all works but as long as they're going in," Davies remarked about his players' timely response to increased competition for places.
Ducksch Thriving in Creative Role
The manager revealed a tactical adjustment that has unlocked Ducksch's best form, explaining: "I've played him as a nine most of the time but I've put him back as a 10 in the last four games and he's been thriving in that role because he's a creative player with a good touch and good awareness."
This positional change has yielded impressive results, with Ducksch now registering four goals in his last four appearances. Davies praised his striker's clinical finish against Wednesday, describing it as "a real striker's finish" that demonstrated his growing confidence in the advanced playmaker role.
Birthday Boy Kyogo Seals the Points
Equally significant was Kyogo Furuhashi's contribution, with the Japanese international rounding goalkeeper Murphy Cooper to slot home his first Championship goal on his 31st birthday. The timing couldn't have been better for a player who has impressed his manager with his professional approach.
"It's his birthday so we wished him a happy birthday before the game," Davies revealed. "He had a couple of chances before that but he's gone and taken the hardest one. Everyone is really pleased for Kyogo, you couldn't ask for a better professional. He gives his all every day and we're really pleased for him."
Statement Performance Under Pressure
The victory represents more than just three points for Birmingham City, serving as a statement of intent from players determined to retain their starting positions despite increased competition. With Danish striker August Priske watching from the stands after his recent signing, Ducksch and Furuhashi demonstrated they won't surrender their roles without a fight.
This character-filled performance at Hillsborough showcases the depth and quality Davies is building within his squad, with established players responding positively to the challenge of new arrivals. The late goals not only secured vital Championship points but also reinforced the competitive environment the manager is cultivating at St Andrew's.
