Birmingham player ratings vs Blackburn as George Hall shines in win

Reda Khadra's strike in the second half was all that separated the two sides, but the hosts were good value for the victory after creating a number of chances. The win means Blues have only lost one of their last five Championship games, while they remain unbeaten in their last two after beating Queens Park Rangers before the international break.

With two wins coming in the three matches prior to the clash against Rovers - which was as many as they'd won in their previous 12 games combined - Blues have now surely climbed out of any relegation trouble with just seven to play this term. But Eustace won't allow his side to become complacent in the final two months of the campaign, and it showed in the win over promotion-chasers Blackburn this afternoon.

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Blackburn have already won as many games as they managed last season, while they had claimed victory in all of their last five league visits to St Andrew's before today. After scoring at least two goals in each of those games, and six in their last three matches in all competitions, it was no surprise that Jon Dahl Tomasson's side started on the front foot.

However, against the early run of play, Blues made the game's first chance when Blackburn captain Lews Travis nearly put the ball in the back of his own net. George Hall skipped through some challenges in midfield before finding Tahith Chong on the right flank, who then used Lukas Jutkiewicz on the overlap.

The striker sent the ball towards the back post where Blackburn's Travis tried to clear but inadvertently hit the post, before goalkeeper Aynsley Pears scrambled the ball to safety. Minutes later, Chong then slashed an effort wide from inside the box as Blues threatened to open the scoring for a second time in the first quarter of an hour.

Pears was then needed on the 30th minute to prevent Jutkiewicz scoring his first goal at St Andrew's since January when he parried a powerful strike from the 34-year-old. Nine minutes later, John Ruddy was called into action at the other end to deny Ryan Hedges an opening goal.

Sammie Szmodics plucked the ball out of the sky before feeding Tyrhys Dolan on the left flank, whose cute pass allowed Hedges to collect the ball inside the box and fire at goal, but Ruddy made a smart stop to ensure the score remained level at half-time.

Blackburn started the second period as they ended the first, with Hedges firing towards the top corner after Blues cleared a corner, but Ruddy made a top save to deny the visitors taking the lead. After Blackburn failed to take advantage of their dominance, Blues opened the scoring on the hour mark through Khadra.

The Brighton loanee slammed the ball from outside the box and into the far corner after his strike whistled past bodies in a crowded penalty area. Maxime Colin teed up the winger by recycling the ball from a corner kick.

Blues held on in the final 20 minutes to claim their 13th win of the season in the Championship.

PLAYER RATINGS

John Ruddy 8

The skipper commanded his area well and was constantly barking orders at his back four. Ruddy made a smart save to deny Hedges before half-time.

Maxime Colin 8

Had the unenviable task of dealing with Blackburn's Tyrhys Dolan, but coped well against the livewire winger. Had the composure to assist Khadra for Blues' winner.

Marc Roberts 8

Solid showing from Roberts in Blues' back four. He's played a key role in Blues keeping three clean sheets in their last four, in wins over Rotherham, QPR and now Blackburn.

Kevin Long 8

Won all 75 per cent of his ground duels and all of his aerial duels in what was his fifth home start since signing from Burnley in January.

Auston Trusty 8

Played at left-back this afternoon and coped well with Hedges' movement, who preferred to come inside rather than go on the outside of Trusty.

Krystian Bielik 8

The Poland international plays a key role in the Blues side. Combative out of possession and safe on the ball, Bielik played well here again.

Alfie Chang 6

Replacing Juninho Bacuna in the starting XI and made his sixth league start of the season. Got through plenty of running in the middle of park, but had fewer touches (31) of the ball than any other Blues player who started the game.

George Hall 8*

The youngster continues to impress after starting his third home game in a row for the first time in his career. He's a powerful runner with the ball, and never stands still after offloading possession - more often than not he's looking to make up the numbers in the box and get in the right positions to make an impact.

Tahith Chong 7

Blues' main source of creativity and flair. He should have put Blues ahead in the first 15 minutes when he slashed wide of the mark from inside the box. Drifted in and out of the game, but he's got so much ability.

Reda Khadra 8

Scored his second goal in as many home games for Blues with a stunning strike to break the deadlock against Blackburn. He was quiet before putting Blues ahead, but always threatened to carry Blues into dangerous areas in the final third.

Lukas Jutkiewicz 7

Provided the outlet Blues needed when under the cosh from Blackburn, who have scored six goals in their last three games in all competitions. Jutkiewicz could have netted his first goal in nine appearances in the first half, when he struck straight at Blackburn goalkeeper Pears from inside the box.

SUBS

Juninho Bacuna (for Khadra, 67) 6

Scott Hogan (for Jutkiewicz, 67) 6

Harlee Dean (for Hall, 90') N/A

Jobe Bellingham (for Chong, 90') N/A

Jordan James (for Chang, 90') N/A

Not used: Etheridge, Dean, Hannibal.

GOALS: Khadra (60')

ATTENDANCE: 16,623

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