Dropped points no sign of Premier League title slump.
By Matt Monaghan at St Andrew's
Dec 29, 2010 4:50:00 AM
Forget Anfield, Eastlands or Stamford Bridge, Birmingham City's St Andrew's is the true Premier League fortress.
Unbeaten by a big six side at home for 18 months, Alex McLeish's men held on to the record on Tuesday night thanks to a controversial 89th-minute strike that had Rio Ferdinand calling foul and Edwin van der Sar offside.
Lee Bowyer's intervention at the back post not only brought the Blues' support to their feet but injected new life into the title fight. Although United return to pole position, the fallibility of the early months of the campaign made a welcome return in the eyes of the chasing pack.
Before Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur get too excited, however, they should all look at their own recent history in the second city.
Unbeaten by a big six side at home for 18 months, Alex McLeish's men held on to the record on Tuesday night thanks to a controversial 89th-minute strike that had Rio Ferdinand calling foul and Edwin van der Sar offside.
Lee Bowyer's intervention at the back post not only brought the Blues' support to their feet but injected new life into the title fight. Although United return to pole position, the fallibility of the early months of the campaign made a welcome return in the eyes of the chasing pack.
Before Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur get too excited, however, they should all look at their own recent history in the second city.
While Carlo Ancelotti's charges are the only heavyweight to fall to defeat, critical points have been dropped by all. The Gunners' faltering challenge fell apart thanks to a Manuel Almunia gaffe in March, while then City boss Mark Hughes' fatal run of stalemates included one at the ground.
Arsenal are next in the firing line on New Year's Day, with City to follow on February 1.
Since promotion back to the top flight in time for the start of last season, Alex McLeish has imbued his team with a desire unable to be stamped out by the big guns.
Certainly, St Andrew's imposing - and decaying - exterior is a culture shock to the visiting superstars spoiled by the exclusive facilities on offer at the likes of Old Trafford. Its location within a tough Birmingham neighborhood must also unsettle the nerves.
Pin-ups such as Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney play within sedate 60,000-plus crowds at the Emirates and Old Trafford. No such timidity is present at St Andrew's.
The 30,009 baying Brummies create a tinderbox atmosphere hard to match in the division. While this can certainly - and unforgivably - step over the mark, such as the ugly scenes in the recent derby with Aston Villa, big egos from visiting stars can be shrunk to size with a choice chant.
A tussle between Anderson and Barry Ferguson was greeted enthusiastically in the terraces. Wayne Rooney's repeated efforts to find the back of the net were met with a humor likely to further rile the Scouse firebrand.
This further ensures that McLeish's watertight tactics are given the backing they deserve. From every towering header from Roger Johnson, to each snapping tackle from Ferguson and a round of applause for each run down the channel from shot-shy striker Cameron Jerome, the pressure on the chalk board is carried through by the fans.
The Scot himself took the chance to bemoan the lack of goals from his side in his post-match press conference. While this slackness was an Achilles heel during the recent defeat to lesser lights Wolverhampton Wanderers, a rigid 4-5-1 against potential champions achieved the desired effect.
Even attacking outlets Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson put in a shift for the team. Anyone who shirks responsibility, no matter reputation, will get an earful.
This was exemplified by Gardner's attack on Alexander Hleb after the mercurial summer signing failed to track back once he was thrown in to the action as a substitute. Never mind that the Belarus international can point to spells at Arsenal and Barcelona on his CV.
This team spirit and commitment has ensured the Premier League big dogs now fear the trip to St Andrew's. Arsenal, you have been warned.
Arsenal are next in the firing line on New Year's Day, with City to follow on February 1.
Since promotion back to the top flight in time for the start of last season, Alex McLeish has imbued his team with a desire unable to be stamped out by the big guns.
Certainly, St Andrew's imposing - and decaying - exterior is a culture shock to the visiting superstars spoiled by the exclusive facilities on offer at the likes of Old Trafford. Its location within a tough Birmingham neighborhood must also unsettle the nerves.
Pin-ups such as Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney play within sedate 60,000-plus crowds at the Emirates and Old Trafford. No such timidity is present at St Andrew's.
The 30,009 baying Brummies create a tinderbox atmosphere hard to match in the division. While this can certainly - and unforgivably - step over the mark, such as the ugly scenes in the recent derby with Aston Villa, big egos from visiting stars can be shrunk to size with a choice chant.
A tussle between Anderson and Barry Ferguson was greeted enthusiastically in the terraces. Wayne Rooney's repeated efforts to find the back of the net were met with a humor likely to further rile the Scouse firebrand.
This further ensures that McLeish's watertight tactics are given the backing they deserve. From every towering header from Roger Johnson, to each snapping tackle from Ferguson and a round of applause for each run down the channel from shot-shy striker Cameron Jerome, the pressure on the chalk board is carried through by the fans.
The Scot himself took the chance to bemoan the lack of goals from his side in his post-match press conference. While this slackness was an Achilles heel during the recent defeat to lesser lights Wolverhampton Wanderers, a rigid 4-5-1 against potential champions achieved the desired effect.
Even attacking outlets Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson put in a shift for the team. Anyone who shirks responsibility, no matter reputation, will get an earful.
This was exemplified by Gardner's attack on Alexander Hleb after the mercurial summer signing failed to track back once he was thrown in to the action as a substitute. Never mind that the Belarus international can point to spells at Arsenal and Barcelona on his CV.
This team spirit and commitment has ensured the Premier League big dogs now fear the trip to St Andrew's. Arsenal, you have been warned.
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