Birmingham City showed they are up for the relegation fight by thumping Coventry City 3-0 at St Andrew’s.
An own goal from Bobby Thomas set Blues on their way in the 12th minute before Ivan Sunjic doubled their lead before half-time. Jay Stansfield finished off a well-worked team move to seal the points before the hour.
Bristol City's late equaliser against Huddersfield Town means Blues are back in 21st, one point above the Terriers who occupy the final relegation place. Blues have again seized control of their own destiny.
A lack of physicality in attack means Blues are having to score ‘the perfect goal every time’ according to Gary Rowett. Their opening goal against Coventry was perfectly crafted by Tyler Roberts and Keshi Anderson before the latter’s cross went in via a scruffy deflection off Thomas - a stroke of luck that had eluded Blues in the previous 10 games, where they managed just four points.
A second fortuitous bounce of the ball came midway through the first half. John Ruddy rushed out to meet a long ball, only to head it straight to Haji Wright. The American lobbed Ruddy but his effort bounced onto the crossbar.
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As the half progressed the feeling that it would be Blues’ day increased. Goals from attacking set pieces have been in short supply this season but Sunjic’s goal shortly before half-time came from a left wing corner.
Paik Seung-ho’s delivery was half-cleared by Coventry and Sunjic returned the ball with too much power for a startled Bradley Collins. It was Sunjic’s first Blues goal since he netted a consolation in a 6-1 defeat to Blackpool two years ago.
With Coventry’s play-off hopes hanging by a thread, manager Mark Robins rang the changes at half-time. He introduced Jay Dasilva, Josh Eccles and Fabio Tavares and hooked Thomas, Jake Bidwell and Victor Torp.
But the second half continued in the same vein. Krystian Bielik channelled his inner John Stones by stepping out of defence to dictate a passing move that led to Stansfield’s killer third goal. Bielik eventually picked out Roberts on the left wing and he cut through Coventry’s defence with an inch-perfect pass for Stansfield to finish underneath Collins first-time.
The second half of the penultimate home game of the season became a party for the final 30 minutes. Blues chairman Tom Wagner was serenaded by St Andrew’s and Rowett was able to rest key players late on.
One of the players Rowett introduced from the bench, Scott Hogan, almost got in on the act late on. Hogan headed straight at Collins from close range after a clever cut-back from Paik Seung-ho.
Coventry barely threatened Blues’ goal in the second half as the hosts cruised to victory. The day got even better for Blues when Bristol City scored a 100th minute equaliser against Huddersfield to lift them out of the relegation zone again.
John Ruddy 7
Ruddy made a decent save at the start of the second half to keep Palmer at bay. He was a commanding presence when the Sky Blues did swing crosses into the Blues box.
Ethan Laird 8
Laird’s form has been indifferent of late but he was back to his best here. The right-back was a menace going forward in the first half and kept Wright quiet.
Dion Sanderson 8
The skipper made one crucial header in the first half with Coventry players flying in behind him. Sanderson was committed at the back and didn’t take unnecessary risks in possession.
Krystian Bielik 9
Bielik successfully stepped out of the back-line to orchestrate Blues’ crucial third goal. The Poland international has been excellent under Rowett and dropped back into defence to help his side to three points.
Lee Buchanan 8
Van Ewijk gave Buchanan the slip early on but the Blues left-back recovered to put in another solid display. Buchanan has been up there with Bielik for consistency since Rowett came in.
Ivan Sunjic 9
Sunjic might not be a Blues player for much longer but his commitment to the cause can never be questioned. It has been a surprise Rowett has waited this long to use him - Sunjic repaid his faith and some with a rare goal in a battling display.
Paik Seung-ho 9
Paik has definitely never been the problem in Blues’ midfield, which is why three different managers made him an ever-present. He combined his undoubted quality with a willingness to compete for every ball against Coventry.
Koji Miyoshi 8
The Japan international is a joy to watch. Some of his touches to set up chances for his teammates were delightful. Miyoshi has had a solid first season in England irrespective of where Blues finish.
Tyler Roberts 9*
Roberts has endured a difficult first season at Blues but this performance proved he can be a force in the Championship. His positional play and passing were exceptional.
Keshi Anderson 8
Anderson might not have the ability of Bacuna or Dembele but he gave Blues structure in defence and attack. He made sensible decisions and delivered the cross that led to the first goal.
Jay Stansfield 9
The striker’s sheer desire and workrate was second to none. The way Stansfield battled Latibeaudiere to retrieve possession at the beginning of the second half in front of the Tilton encapsulated the spirit Blues played with and he topped off a brilliant performance with his 13th goal of the season.
SUBS
George Hall (for Anderson, 76) 6
Hall was given his first minutes under Rowett and slotted in comfortably on the right side.
Jordan James (for Roberts, 76) 6
James had a few touches in midfield as Blues saw the game out with ease.
Juninho Bacuna (for Miyoshi, 83) N/A
Scott Hogan (for Stansfield, 83) N/A
Gary Gardner (for Paik, 88) N/A
Not used: Etheridge, Aiwu, Dozzell, Dembele
