Birmingham City talking points after a positive display at St Andrew’s. Here we look at eight things we learnt from the game: The Highlights Birmingham City took Leeds United to the wire in Sunday’s FA Cup clash, only to fall short in the resulting penalty shootout. Patrick Roberts produced a stunning strike, helped on its way by a deflection […]
Birmingham City talking points after a positive display at St Andrew’s. Here we look at eight things we learnt from the game:
Birmingham City took Leeds United to the wire in Sunday’s FA Cup clash, only to fall short in the resulting penalty shootout.
Patrick Roberts produced a stunning strike, helped on its way by a deflection off James Justin, to cancel out Lukas Nmecha’s opener for Leeds United and force 120 absorbing minutes at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park before the tie was ultimately decided on penalties.
Jay Stansfield and Marvin Ducksch converted their spot-kicks to match Leeds United early in the shootout, but misses from Tommy Doyle and Patrick Roberts swung the momentum.
Sean Longstaff then calmly dispatched the decisive penalty to seal a 4–2 shootout triumph for the visitors.
Just over a year ago, Birmingham City went toe-to-toe with top-flight opposition Newcastle United in the fourth round of the FA Cup, only to be overrun in the final half hour as Premier League intensity, athleticism and quality told.
This time, their narrow elimination at the hands of Leeds United underlined how far they have progressed since that heavy defeat in February 2025.
A reshaped side not only matched Leeds across 120 minutes but, for long stretches, controlled the contest.
Only Christoph Klarer and Jay Stansfield remained from the starting XI that faced Newcastle, a clear indicator of the overhaul engineered by Chris Davies across the past two transfer windows.
The current squad possesses greater talent, experience and physical resilience, attributes that allow them to compete at a level approaching the Premier League standard.
Unfortunately, they were a stoppage-time finish from Ibrahim Osman and Kanya Fujimoto away from securing a statement victory.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the performance from the Blues was the authority shown in central areas despite the rare absence of Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata.
Jhon Solis and Tommy Doyle controlled large phases of the game. Solis brought his usual physicality and ball-winning presence, while Doyle dictated tempo and progression with composure.
After an underwhelming display against West Bromwich Albion, the pair were far more dominant, showing a better duo understanding, and complimenting each others game well against Leeds United.
Their influence was so substantial that Daniel Farke introduced captain Ethan Ampadu at half-time, sacrificing Facundo Buonanotte in an attempt to regain physical control in midfield. It was a reactive adjustment, and a smart tactic acknowledgement from the Leeds boss.
With Paik’s injury and Iwata’s lack of rest, this evidence suggests Solis and Doyle possess the technical, tactical, and physical capacity to sustain a genuine top-six push in the Championship.
Goalkeeper selection remains one of the few unresolved questions for Davies.
Birmingham Live suggets Ryan Allsop’s distribution against Leeds was of such quality that it inevitably reopens the debate. While Beadle’s reflexes and statistical output are strong, Allsop offers something structurally different.
His range of passing, composure, and willingness to break lines transforms Birmingham’s first phase build-up into a more attacking threat.
With Allsop in goal, Birmingham effectively gain an additional deep-lying playmaker. The trade-off is whether that on-ball value outweighs Beadle’s marginal advantage as a pure shot-stopper.
It is a tactical decision as much as a statistical one that could give Davies a headache.
Late January addition Jonathan Panzo delivered a performance that suggested he is more than emergency cover.
His natural left-sidedness restored balance to the defensive structure, particularly in possession, where he offered cleaner progression down the left channel.
Panzo was very composed, handling physical duels with Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin effectively while still offering progressive passing.
Crucially, his presence allows Christoph Klarer to operate at right centre-back, where he appears more comfortable stepping out and engaging.
The natural left-right balance of Panzo and Klarer improves defensive spacing and build-up angles, which could be significant in a sustained play-off push.
The January recruits have added tactical depth. Despite it being August Priske’s first start he clearly showed how he offers strength, aerial threat, great hold-up play, and smart attacking runs.
Wingers Carlos Vicente and Ibrahim Osman bring countering pace, and technical excellence, something Birmingham looked for in the January window.
Their integration increases rotational depth without, something Birmingham previously lacked when intensity levels dropped late in games.
Since joining Birmingham on loan, Patrick Roberts has added play making brilliance and unpredictability in wide areas.
His ball-carrying and ability to attack isolated full-backs create pockets for attacking runners, whilst also having an eye for goal from close finishes to long range efforts.
Securing him long-term signals strategic squad building and a desire to reach the Premier League.
With Kai Wagner’s transfer has adding depth, attacking, and defensive consistency.
Panzo at left centre-back and Klarer on the right, greater midfield cohesion without Paik and Iwata, and genuine competition in goal, Birmingham’s squad now carries far more structural integrity than it did 12 months ago.
If performances like against Leeds are sustained, Birmingham could see themselves toward play-off promotion rather than just top-six aspiration.
