{"id":587255,"date":"2025-11-22T18:19:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T18:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/587255\/"},"modified":"2025-11-22T18:19:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T18:19:20","slug":"birmingham-city-player-ratings-vs-norwich-four-9s-for-blues-aces-in-4-1-mauling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/587255\/","title":{"rendered":"Birmingham City player ratings vs Norwich: Four 9s for Blues aces in 4-1 mauling"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Birmingham City hammered Norwich City 4-1 at St Andrew&#8217;s @ Knighthead Park to mark their 150th anniversary<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS388592732.jpg\" alt=\"Birmingham City's Marvin Ducksch celebrates his second goal against Norwich\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Birmingham City&#8217;s Marvin Ducksch celebrates his second goal against Norwich<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Birmingham City ended a momentous week in their 150-year history with another mauling at St Andrew\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Norwich City were the latest victims in B9 as <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/all-about\/marvin-ducksch\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Marvin Ducksch Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Ducksch <\/a>and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/all-about\/jay-stansfield\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Jay StansfieldLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Jay Stansfield<\/a> both bagged braces in a 4-1 win. Mathias Kvistgaarden replied for Norwich against the run of play in the first half.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">This fixture was pencilled in for celebrations to mark the club\u2019s 150th anniversary, hot-on-the-heels of the unveiling of the club\u2019s proposed new stadium on Thursday, and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/all-about\/birmingham-city-fc\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"BluesLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Blues<\/a> ensured the party continued on the pitch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/all-about\/demarai-gray\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Demarai Gray Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Demarai Gray <\/a>fired an early warning shot that was palmed away by Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic after Blues pressed aggressively to win possession in the attacking third.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Kovacevic\u2019s goal was breached inside three minutes and Gray was the provider. The winger latched onto a clip over the top from Alex Cochrane to flash the ball across to Ducksch for a tap-in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">After breaking his duck, Ducksch should have doubled Blues\u2019 lead after being found 10 yards from goal by Patrick Roberts. Kovacevic was out of the equation once more but Ducksch produced a wild finish that landed in the Gil Merrick stand.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">The second arrived after 20 minutes as Stansfield nodded home his seventh Championship goal of the season. Gray and Ducksch were involved before Roberts weaved his magic down the right to fire across a ball that was gobbled up by Stansfield.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS388585070.jpg\" alt=\"Jay Stansfield of Birmingham City celebrates his goal against Norwich\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Jay Stansfield (centre) of Birmingham City celebrates his goal against Norwich<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">There should have been a penalty for Blues soon after when Ducksch was tugged back by Harry Darling when through on goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Referee Anthony Backhouse refused to award the spot-kick but replays showed the challenge was a carbon copy of the one that Phil Neumann made on Josh Sargent on the halfway line earlier on. Neumann conceded a free-kick and received a yellow card, whereas Darling went unpunished.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Norwich pulled one back 12 minutes before half-time in what was their first threatening foray forward. James Beadle could only push a cross from the right out to the penalty spot where Kvistgaarden was waiting to fire home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">The final say in the first half would go to Ducksch who fired home from close range after Tomoki Iwata\u2019s header was kept out. In truth, the 3-1 scoreline at half-time flattered Norwich.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Blues grabbed the fourth goal their play deserved within 10 minutes of the restart. Gray snapped into a challenge successfully and released Stansfield who calmly lifted the ball over Kovacevic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Tomoki Iwata went close to adding a fabulous fifth with a thunderbolt from 25 yards that clipped the outside of the post.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Blues didn\u2019t need the extra bit of gloss on the scoreline after another scintillating showing on home soil that produced four goals and three points.<\/p>\n<p>Get the latest Blues headlines sent straight to your phone<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">BirminghamLive has its very own <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/all-about\/birmingham-city-fc\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Birmingham CityLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Birmingham City<\/a> WhatsApp community to deliver the latest headlines straight to your phone. Just <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/B9XQh6yFkASKxe76buz3SU\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"click this linkLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">click this link<\/a> to receive daily Blues content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. Click on the name at the top of your screen while in WhatsApp and click &#8216;Exit Group&#8217;. Read our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">James Beadle 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">There were a couple of really good saves in quick succession in the second half, particularly one to keep Duffy at bay from close range on a corner. Beadle has made his presence felt in the Blues goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Tomoki Iwata 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Is there a better right-back in the Championship on current form? I think not. Iwata is popping up all over the shop for Blues and almost scored a Goal of the Season contender with a piledriver that struck the post.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Phil Neumann 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">There were some really important defensive interventions from Neumann to keep Norwich out in key moments of the match. The ex-Hannover 96 man is turning into a very good signing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Christoph Klarer 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Klarer had a few battles with Sargent and won most of them in a typically dominant performance a few days after signing a new four-year contract.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Alex Cochrane 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">A lovely Cochrane clip over the top set Gray away to assist the opening goal and Blues\u2019 left-back showed his quality in possession all afternoon.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS388588678.jpg\" alt=\"Alex Cochrane of Birmingham City\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Alex Cochrane of Birmingham City<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Tommy Doyle 9<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Doyle has become the orchestrator to the Blues machine and his importance increased in Paik Seung-ho\u2019s absence. The midfielder was perfectly positioned to regain possession whenever Blues lost it and by<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Marc Leonard 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">There was a lot to be admired about the way Leonard adapted to a role that is designed for Paik. He advanced forward to support the front four and drifted over to the left to create space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Patrick Roberts 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Roberts can have the award for Best Supporting Act. He wasn\u2019t as devastating or prominent as his attacking colleagues, but the 28-year-old notched up another assist for Stansfield\u2019s first and was still very effective.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Jay Stansfield 9<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">A typically tenacious display from Stansfield who now has nine goals for the season across all competitions. The striker showed a deft touch in the first half to put Ducksch through on goal in an action that should have resulted in a Blues penalty. A top drawer display from Stansfield who made a very difficult finish for his second look easy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Demarai Gray 9*<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">This was Gray\u2019s best game of the season. The Birmingham-born winger endured a painful international window with Jamaica failing to qualify for the World Cup but he used that as fuel to terrorise Norwich.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Gray was involved in most of Blues\u2019 best bits and produced some exquisite touches on the left-wing. Two assists takes Gray\u2019s tally in the league to six goal contributions.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_JS388585101.jpg\" alt=\"Demarai Gray of Birmingham City in action against Norwich\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Demarai Gray of Birmingham City in action against Norwich<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Marvin Ducksch 9<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">The Ducksch has landed and Blues are better for it. Their performances with and without Ducksch over the course of this season bear no comparison. A double got the striker off the mark in Royal Blue but his game is about so much more than goals. The German is in irresistible form.<\/p>\n<p>SUBS<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Kyogo Furuhashi (for Ducksch, 72) 6<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">You half expected the final 20 minutes to be packed with Kyogo chances and his teammates trying to set him up, but the Japanese striker didn&#8217;t have a sniff of goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Keshi Anderson (for Gray, 72) 6<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\">Slotted in on the left and played some neat combinations without threatening the goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Bright Osayi-Samuel (for Iwata, 88) N\/A<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Lyndon Dykes (for Stansfield, 88) N\/A<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Lewis Koumas (for Roberts, 90&#8242;) N\/A<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Not used: <\/strong>Allsop, Cashin, Robinson, Fujimoto<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"birminghammail\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Attendance:<\/strong> 28,080 (1,958)<\/p>\n<p>How did you rate the Blues players? Let us know <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/birmingham-city-player-ratings-norwich-32926217#comments-wrapper\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"HERELink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birmingham City hammered Norwich City 4-1 at St Andrew&#8217;s @ Knighthead Park to mark their 150th anniversaryBirmingham City&#8217;s&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":587256,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7820],"tags":[855,1205,748,55206,393,4884,1206,118990,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-587255","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-birmingham","8":"tag-birmingham","9":"tag-birmingham-city-fc","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-demarai-gray","12":"tag-england","13":"tag-great-britain","14":"tag-jay-stansfield","15":"tag-marvin-ducksch","16":"tag-uk","17":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115594735330688723","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=587255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/587256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=587255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=587255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=587255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}