Birmingham City halted a worrying run of away defeats by securing a well-earned 1-1 draw against Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, 17th January 2026.
Patrick Roberts was the hero for the Blues, cancelling out Zan Vipotnik's first-half opener with a magnificent strike to ensure the visitors left Wales with a share of the spoils.
A Tale of Two Halves at Swansea.com Stadium
The match began with the home side dominating possession, but it was Birmingham who created the first clear opportunity. A low corner from Tommy Doyle found Paik Seung-ho, whose goal-bound effort was desperately cleared by the Swansea defence.
Despite the positive start, Blues shot themselves in the foot midway through the first period. New signing Kai Wagner was caught dallying on the ball by the alert Ronald, who stole possession and squared for Zan Vipotnik to slot home his 11th Championship goal of the season.
Swansea pressed for a second, with James Beadle forced into a fine save from Goncalo Franco, while Lewis Koumas spurned a good chance to level for Birmingham before the break.
Stansfield Impact and Roberts' Rocket
The introduction of substitute Jay Stansfield in the 56th minute proved to be the game's turning point. His relentless pressing and energy lifted his teammates and swung the momentum in Birmingham's favour.
The equaliser arrived with 18 minutes remaining. Kai Wagner atoned for his earlier error by delivering an excellent cross into the box. Marvin Ducksch provided a clever flick, and Patrick Roberts cut inside onto his weaker right foot before unleashing a thunderous shot in off the crossbar for his third goal of the campaign.
Swansea came closest to a winner when substitute Liam Cullen saw his header also cannon off the woodwork, but Birmingham held firm to claim their first away point since November.
Player Ratings: Paik Impresses, Stansfield the Catalyst
James Beadle (6): Reliable handling and good distribution from the goalkeeper.
Tomoki Iwata (7): A strong, combative performance in midfield, breaking up play effectively.
Phil Neumann (7): Made a crucial early intervention and was defensively solid throughout.
Christoph Klarer (7): A colossus in the air, dominating Swansea's set-pieces.
Kai Wagner (6.5): At fault for the Swansea goal but redeemed himself with the assist for the equaliser.
Tommy Doyle (6.5): Worked hard in midfield and delivered some useful set-pieces.
Paik Seung-ho (7.5): Produced one of his best away displays this season, dynamic in and out of possession.
Patrick Roberts (7.5): Grew into the game and showed sublime skill and composure for his superb goal.
Marvin Ducksch (6.5): Industrious and played a key part in the equaliser with his clever assist.
Lewis Koumas (6.5): His pace caused problems early on but his influence waned in the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi (5.5): Pressed well but failed to convert the half-chances that came his way.
Subs: Jay Stansfield (7): His introduction changed the game, providing the spark and intensity Birmingham needed.
The point moves Birmingham City away from immediate danger and provides a platform to build upon, ending a difficult run of form on the road.
