On January 26, 2011, Birmingham City faced West Ham United in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at St Andrew’s. Birmingham City secured a dramatic 3-1 victory after extra time, overturning a first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate and advance to the final.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Birmingham City: 3 (Lee Bowyer 59′, Roger Johnson 79′, Craig Gardner 94′)
- West Ham United: 1 (Carlton Cole 31′)
- Aggregate Score: Birmingham City 4-3 West Ham United
- Possession:
- Birmingham City had 53% possession, while West Ham United had 47%. Birmingham’s control of the ball, particularly in the second half and extra time, allowed them to mount a successful comeback.
- Shots:
- Birmingham City registered 16 shots, with 9 on target, demonstrating their offensive intent, especially as they chased the game. West Ham United had 10 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their early advantage but inability to hold on as the match progressed.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Birmingham City displayed a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 365 passes out of 468 attempts. West Ham had a slightly lower passing accuracy of 75%, completing 311 passes out of 414 attempts. Birmingham’s effective ball movement was crucial in breaking down West Ham’s defense as they sought to equalize and then take the lead.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Birmingham made 21 tackles compared to West Ham’s 18, indicating their aggressive approach to regaining possession. Both teams committed 13 fouls, showcasing the physical nature of a high-stakes semi-final.
- Set Pieces:
- Birmingham’s first goal came from open play, with Lee Bowyer finishing clinically after a cross from Nikola Žigić. Roger Johnson’s equalizer also came from a corner that was not properly cleared. Craig Gardner’s winning goal in extra time was a long-range strike that found the back of the net after a corner was initially cleared.
- Individual Performances:
- Craig Gardner was the hero for Birmingham City, scoring the decisive goal in extra time with a powerful shot from outside the box. Roger Johnson and Lee Bowyer were also instrumental in the comeback, scoring crucial goals to keep Birmingham in the tie. For West Ham, Carlton Cole scored the opener, but his team struggled to contain Birmingham’s pressure as the game wore on.
- Tactical Overview:
- Birmingham City employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on width and crossing to create chances. West Ham United also used a 4-4-2 formation, but after taking the lead, they shifted to a more defensive posture, which ultimately invited pressure. Birmingham’s persistence and ability to exploit set pieces and long-range opportunities were key to their success.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team: Birmingham City’s Lee Bowyer (49′) and Barry Ferguson (73′), and West Ham United’s James Tomkins (74′) and Matthew Upson (84′). The fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at disrupting play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Birmingham City won 7 corners compared to West Ham’s 3, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the match. Birmingham were caught offside twice, while West Ham had one offside call, indicating both teams’ cautious approach in the final third.
Summary
Birmingham City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham United in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final was a thrilling comeback that saw them overturn a first-leg deficit to reach the final. After Carlton Cole gave West Ham the lead, Birmingham responded with goals from Lee Bowyer, Roger Johnson, and Craig Gardner, the latter scoring the decisive goal in extra time. Birmingham’s control of possession and effective use of set pieces were crucial in their victory, while West Ham struggled to maintain their early advantage. The result was a significant achievement for Birmingham City, setting up a date in the final where they would eventually go on to win the League Cup.
