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Birmingham City have shown themselves to be a team to be feared this season, despite Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town pulling the game level in the dying minutes.
Birmingham City’s hotly anticipated return to the Championship was met by a raucous crowd at St Andrews as the Blues hosted Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town.
Chris Davies’ side were in control in the opening stanza; however, they were unable to break the deadlock until the second half after the ball fell to Jay Stansfield, who rocketed an effort into the roof of the Tractor Boys’ net.
Birmingham City consistently managed to see games out during the successful 2024/25 League One campaign; however, they were handed a reality check after Ipswich Town drew the game level from the penalty spot – one which was controversially given.
The game has left both Davies and McKenna plenty to mull over, and five things are clear following the opening Championship contest…
Kyogo Furuhashi and Jay Stansfield are a fantastic Championship strike partnership
Birmingham City arrived in the Championship with plenty of expectation following their brilliant League One season, having been famed for their incredible attacking capabilities, and that was showcased perfectly by Kyogo Furuhashi and Jay Stansfield.
Many were aware of Stansfield’s abilities, and there were no surprises to see him open his account for the season against Ipswich Town, but Kyogo was equally as brilliant, despite not getting on the scoreline.
Aside from the set-up to Stansfield’s goal, which saw the ball fall to the young striker after Kyogo’s effort hit the post, the Japanese international and former Celtic ace was hot-headed throughout the tie, constantly putting Ipswich Town under pressure, giving their back line plenty more worries.
There are no doubts that Kyogo has a hugely successful spell at St Andrews awaiting him.
Ipswich Town struggled to win the midfield battles
Kieran McKenna’s side are often famed for their ability to keep possession and create a number of chances, particularly in their promotion-winning 2023/24 Championship season; however, that was not quite on display vs Birmingham City.
The midfield duels were often lost by Ipswich Town, and whether that was down to Birmingham City’s improved quality or hunger and desire, it is something that McKenna will be keen to put right.
One notable occasion saw Azor Matusiwa pull back the bypassing Keshi Anderson after the ball was dispossessed, leaving the Tractor Boys’ midfielder on a caution for the rest of the contest.
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Pressure may be on Ryan Allsop to improve distribution
Despite being revered for his playmaking ability from in-between the sticks, Ryan Allsop came close to suffering a hairy moment when handing the ball to Ipswich Town forward Sam Szmodics.
The Northern Irishman’s shot was dragged wide, saving Allsop’s blushes; however, it could have been a moment where Ipswich took an advantage in the contest.
Chris Davies’ style of play places plenty of emphasis on playing out from the back, and whilst Allsop was consistently a productive part of this system, there may need to be an improvement for his standards.
Birmingham signed James Beadle this summer on loan from Brighton, and there is every chance that he will be breathing down the neck of Allsop.
Jacob Greaves’ aerial ability is vital in both boxes
Ipswich Town signed Jacob Greaves from Hull City following their promotion to the Premier League.
After a solid maiden Premier League campaign, the centre-back has dropped down to the Championship, and has already shown to be head-and-shoulders above many at this level…quite literally.
When Ipswich Town were under the cosh and had to deal with oncoming crosses, particularly from Keshi Anderson, Kieran McKenna could rely on Greaves to sweep away any balls.
As a defensive asset, Greaves is crucial for Ipswich Town, and there is no doubt that he could go on to make a difference in future games in front of goal from set pieces as well.
Keshi Anderson could be an incredible threat for Birmingham City this season
In the first half, Birmingham City threatened Ipswich Town on the attack, but had few shots to show for it. However, one man who created several chances for the Blues and proved to be a direct threat throughout the contest was Keshi Anderson.
The left winger gave Cheidozie Ogbene and Ben Johnson plenty to think about throughout the contest and managed to find Kyogo Furuhashi and Jay Stansfield on numerous occasions with pinpoint crosses.
The first half also saw Anderson draw in as many as six fouls, winning Birmingham City set-pieces in dangerous positions.
Ahead of the game, much of the spotlight was on the new Birmingham City signings, but Anderson showed that even the familiar faces have plenty of excitement left in the tank.