Sports Writer Charlie King reports live from St. Andrews, where Wayne Rooney’s first game in charge of the blues ended in an underwhelming loss
Anticipation was high for Wayne Rooney’s first home league game in charge of Birmingham City on Wednesday night. After a 1-0 away defeat to an in-form Middlesbrough side on Saturday, there were hopes that the Blues could turn it around as they played host to Hull City. The very least the home fans would have hoped to see was a commitment to an exciting, front-footed playing style.
Birmingham started both halves in an enthusiastic and encouraging manner, producing good early chances, with winger Siriki Dembele missing a golden opportunity to open the scoring in just the second minute. There was plenty of industry from the Blues in the early stages, yet there was very little sign of any substance, and it did not take long for the visitors to establish themselves as the superior side in the contest. The Tigers posed greater threat throughout the game, producing good chances through direct running and swift passes.
Football is not an industry known for patience and forgiveness
Birmingham were carless on the ball throughout the night, much to the frustration of the supporters, and this led to both visiting goals. Manchester City loanee Liam Delap opened the scoring for the visiting side when he capitalised on a severely under hit back pass from Emmanuel Longelo, and duly rounded John Ruddy in goal to comfortably slot home. Hull would continue to be handed such opportunities to score throughout the night, and should have gone two up much sooner. They eventually found the second in the 74th minute through a thumping strike from ex-Aston Villa man and star player on the night, Jaden Philogene, after Birmingham were cheaply dispossessed in midfield.
The Blues failed to stir any sort of response after conceding the second goal, leading Rooney to bemoan a lack of effort and fitness from his players in his post-match press conference. They next travel to Southampton for a tricky fixture on Saturday lunchtime and Rooney will want to see a response from his players. Football is not an industry known for patience and forgiveness, and with the popularity of departed boss John Eustace, it will not take long for momentum to turn against Wayne Rooney.
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