Birm’ham 2 – 0 W Brom

Hannibal Mejbri stole the present as his purpose and help earned Birmingham a 2-0 win over West Brom – to earn the Blues their first residence win in 2023.

The on-mortgage Manchester United midfielder took simply 10 minutes to place his aspect in entrance in sensational trend, curling a large free-kick in from 35 yards out, deceiving West Brom goalkeeper David Button by pretending to go for a cross.

Mejbri then curled in a beautiful nook for Krystian Bielik to move residence, with the Blues midfielder beating Button to the ball.

The victory for the Blues strikes them inside six factors of the play-off spots going into Saturday’s motion – with John Eustace’s aspect now 10 factors above the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, West Brom – who celebrated supervisor Carlos Corberan’s new contract in midweek following hypothesis over a transfer to Leeds – missed the prospect to maneuver as much as fifth.

Birmingham followers marched from the town centre to St Andrew’s as protests towards homeowners Birmingham Sports Holdings continued however they have been not less than given an early purpose to ease their anger.

The hosts have been vivid and, when Lukas Jutkiewicz cleverly purchased a free-kick off Conor Townsend 30 yards out on the suitable after 10 minutes, Hannibal took cost.

Button was anticipating him to swing it right into a crowded space however as an alternative, the 20-12 months-previous embarrassed the goalkeeper by curling across the one-man wall to seek out the underside nook.

First to every thing, the Blues rattled Albion however have been initially unable to construct on their lead, though Button needed to flip Tahith Chong’s fierce drive behind.

The Baggies struggled to match Birmingham’s depth and, whereas Daryl Dike briefly gave the hosts trigger for concern when he charged down John Ruddy’s clearance, they have been second greatest.

Marc Albrighton’s shot deflected extensive however was by no means troubling Ruddy and there was no zip from a aspect who had gained 11 of their earlier 16 video games.

Corberan regarded agitated on the bench and his temper would have solely darkened seven minutes after the break.

Albion conceded an inexpensive nook and Hannibal’s supply was missed by a flapping Button for Bielik to nod in.

Ruddy turned John Swift’s drive behind because the Baggies tried to reply however there was no method again.

The managers:

Birmingham City supervisor John Eustace talking to Sky Sports:

“I’m so proud of the group of players. It was a really difficult day with the protests. It just showed the character of the group, it’s a special group. We were favourites for relegation at the start of the season, we signed a lot of loan players and have young, old players. They most important want to fight and scarp for each other and you could see that tonight.

“Last week, we mentioned we bought it incorrect at half-time at Swansea. We put issues proper within the second half. Today, we bought it proper and set items win video games. Hannibal works day in, day trip at set items and we’re grateful that he does.

“These are fantastic fans, all through the season so far. I’ve said from day one that the connection between players and fans are the most important thing for me. We’ve had difficult moments but they’ve given 100 per cent and I’m grateful for that and so are the players.

“We simply take every day because it comes. I do know it is cliché however within the Championship we will not get too excessive with the highs and low with the lows. We’ve simply had 5 straight defeats after which two [wins] in a row. We’ve bought one other residence sport towards Cardiff, we’ll see the place that takes us.

“Hannibal has come in, a young 19-year-old boy in his first loan. He had a fantastic start then had a bit of dip, he’s come back and his performances have been excellent of late.”

West Brom supervisor Carlos Corberan talking to Sky Sports:

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