Birmingham City defeated Bristol City 2-1 on Saturday thanks to goals from Phil Neumann and Jhon Solis
Phil Neumann of Birmingham City celebrates scoring against Bristol City
Phil Neumann produced another uncompromising display in the heart of Birmingham City’s defence in their 2-1 win over Bristol City – and it was noticed by his manager.
Since Neumann was restored to the team at Ipswich Town on Easter Monday, Blues have taken 10 points from a possible 15 and their record in the Championship with the German over the course of the season is considerably better than without.
Davies has chopped and changed, dropping Neumann three times, to get Christoph Klarer back on his favoured right side by introducing a left-footed defender.
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But Neumann has answered any remaining question marks in recent weeks with solid showings against some of the Championship’s most physical centre-forwards and he had no trouble against the Robins on Saturday.
Throw in the bonus of a third goal of the season and it was a Man of the Match effort from Neumann.
“I think he’s been excellent and looked much better since he’s come back into the team, not that there were any major problems there,” said Blues manager Davies.
“It was just a case of his real adaptation to the league and I think he’s got the bit between his teeth since he’s been back.
“The amount of duels that he wins and the headers that he makes, he just understands what this league is and what it’s like.
“It’s every three days. It’s a bit different to what they play in Germany. To get through these three as he has done is the real sign that he’s physically adapting as well as technically and tactically. I thought he was excellent.”
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