Birmingham City put on a spectacular show at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, defeating Wrexham 3-1 in front of a star-studded crowd that included Tom Brady, David Beckham, and Blues chairman Tom Wagner. The match showcased an electrifying performance from the team, with Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata standing out as the stars of the show.
Stansfield stole the limelight with a brilliant brace on his second debut for the club, while Iwata made a memorable mark with a stunning goal to secure the victory. Despite falling behind early to a goal from Jack Marriott, Blues rallied back with determination and resilience.
The first half saw Blues struggle to find their rhythm, but Stansfield’s equalizer in the 22nd minute lifted the team’s spirits. With 72 percent possession and 360 passes, Blues dominated the game but lacked the cutting edge in the final third until they found their stride in the second half.
Stansfield’s second goal, a powerful header from a cross delivered by Alex Cochrane, showcased the team’s renewed energy and determination. Iwata then added his name to the scoresheet with a brilliant strike from distance, sealing the victory for Blues in style.
However, the match was not without its drama as a heated confrontation late in the game resulted in Blues captain Krystian Bielik receiving a red card. Despite playing with 10 men in the closing stages, Blues held on to secure the win and maintain their unbeaten record in the League One.
Player Ratings:
Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 6: The goalkeeper faced criticism for his weak punch that led to Wrexham’s opening goal but redeemed himself with a more commanding performance in the second half.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 7.5: The surprise selection at right-back impressed with an all-action display, although he was urged to improve his delivery in advanced areas.
Christoph Klarer – 8: The Austrian defender struggled initially but quickly adapted to Wrexham’s attacking threat, showcasing his dominance in the air.
Krystian Bielik – 7: Bielik was influential until his dismissal, leaving Blues to face an important game without their captain.
Alex Cochrane – 8: The left-back delivered a crucial cross for Stansfield’s goal and displayed solid defensive work throughout the game.
Tomoki Iwata – 8.5: Iwata’s impressive performance in midfield highlighted his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, including his stunning goal.
Paik Seung-ho – 8: Paik’s intelligent touch to set up Iwata’s goal was a highlight of his brilliant play in midfield.
Willum Willumsson – 7.5: Despite playing out of position, Willumsson’s adaptability and smart positioning were key to Blues’ performance.
Alfie May – 6: May played a supporting role in this game, showcasing his versatility despite not being in his usual starring role.
Emil Hansson – 6.5: Hansson’s lively play and movement were notable, although his delivery from wide areas needs improvement.
Jay Stansfield – 9*: Stansfield’s exceptional performance and two goals highlighted his quality as a striker, earning him the highest rating of the match.
In conclusion, Birmingham City’s victory over Wrexham was a testament to their resilience and talent, with standout performances from Stansfield and Iwata leading the way. Despite the challenges faced during the game, Blues showed their strength as a team and secured an important win to maintain their unbeaten record in the League One.
