Birmingham City Player Ratings: Solis Shines in irmingham City extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches with a professional 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday. The Blues secured their fourth away win in the Championship this season, thanks to an own goal from Myles Peart-Harris and a well-taken strike from Marvin Ducksch.Match Overview and Key Moments
The game began cautiously, with both sides aware of the importance of the points for their respective campaigns. Birmingham broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Paik Seung-ho's dangerous free-kick was inadvertently turned into his own net by Oxford defender Peart-Harris. This marked only the third time this season that Blues have scored first in an away fixture.
Chris Davies' team pushed for a second goal before the interval, with captain Christoph Klarer heading a Kai Wagner corner just over the bar. The visitors should have doubled their advantage early in the second period when Jay Stansfield, through on goal, unselfishly squared to Ibrahim Osman, who could only hit the post.
The decisive second goal arrived just after the hour mark. Substitute Carlos Vicente, making his debut, showed excellent composure on the edge of the box to tee up Ducksch, who calmly finished into the corner. Oxford offered little in response, with Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle making one excellent late save to preserve a clean sheet.
Detailed Player Ratings
James Beadle - 7
The young goalkeeper commanded his area well on his return to a former home ground. Made a crucial late stop from Ole Romeny to secure another clean sheet.
Tomoki Iwata - 7
Iwata was largely untroubled defensively and provided energetic support going forward before being forced off with an injury.
Phil Neumann - 7
Another solid and assured performance from the defender, continuing his recent improvement in away fixtures.
Christoph Klarer - 8
A commanding display at the heart of defence, dealing effectively with Oxford's aerial threat. Went close to scoring with a first-half header.
Kai Wagner - 8
The left-back delivered a much sharper defensive performance than in recent games, making a vital late block to deny a goal-scoring opportunity.
Jhon Solis - 8.5
The Colombian midfielder was superb on his first start for the club. Dominant in both attack and defence, his presence allowed Paik Seung-ho greater freedom to influence the game.
Paik Seung-ho - 7.5
Benefiting from Solis's presence alongside him, this was one of Paik's best away performances of the season, capped by delivering the free-kick that led to the opening goal.
Patrick Roberts - 6.5
Responded positively to increased competition for places with an energetic display, though he was replaced on the hour mark.
Marvin Ducksch - 8
The German forward continued his excellent recent form with another goal and intelligent link-up play. His movement created constant problems for the Oxford defence.
Ibrahim Osman - 8
A constant threat down the left flank, using his pace to torment Oxford's defenders throughout. Unlucky not to score when hitting the post in the second half.
Jay Stansfield - 6.5
Worked hard to stretch the Oxford backline and create space for teammates, but his confidence in front of goal appears affected by his current scoring drought.
Substitute Impact
Carlos Vicente - 7
Made an immediate impact off the bench, providing a lovely assist for Ducksch's goal and offering natural width in an impressive debut appearance.
August Priske - 6.5
Involved in the build-up to the second goal and showed positive signs in his second substitute appearance for the club.
Bright Osayi-Samuel - 6
An assured return to action following international duty, showing promising signs for future contributions.
The victory keeps Birmingham City within five points of the Championship's play-off places as they continue their push for promotion. The performance was particularly notable for the impressive debut start of Jhon Solis, who received the highest individual rating of the match.
