The derby is done, and now it is time for Birmingham City to move on to the Millwall clash.
The Second City derby has been and gone, and to say that it was a disappointment for Birmingham City would be a massive understatement.
They went into the clash at Villa Park with all the confidence in the world after a strong run in the league saw them push away from the relegation one. Unfortunately, their bitter rivals are also in the form of their lives, which led to a 2-0 defeat for Steve Cotterill’s men.
It was a humbling loss in more ways than one, and it is a defeat that leaves the Blues just two points and two places above the bottom three. Obviously, you are going to get fans who will deem this to be a one-off, but the effect of a devastating loss to your neighbours can be felt for a long time.
Villa were able to expose Birmingham’s flaws both at the back and in the middle of the park, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah running the show for the better part of 90 minutes. As a result, Cotterill has to pick his side back up again before sending them out to battle against Millwall this weekend.
The Lions are a tough team to face at the best of times, but with this clash taking place at St Andrew’s, there is an extra layer of pressure for the Midlands side as they attempt to bounce back. We all know that Birmingham fans are not the most forgiving bunch and, if the game goes on this Saturday without a goal, then things could start to get a little nervy.
In many ways, showing your resilience in the face of adversity is one of the most underrated attributes a player or team can possess in modern day football. It is so easy to go on a run of seven or eight games without a win off the back of a performance that humbles you, mainly because you have to get back on the horse so quickly.
Because of how close it is down the bottom Birmingham cannot afford to do that, and they need to remember that the quality in their squad should logically be more than enough to see them through to survival. Unfortunately, the Villa loss came at the worst possible time, and now we have got to wait and see whether Cotterill has the ability to adjust the mentality of these players prior to Saturday.
In many ways, the fact this is a home game should be seen as a blessing, but if anything it could prove to make things all the more challenging.
If they pick up three points, there is certainly an argument to be made that it would be the biggest win of their entire campaign.
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