Birmingham City's unbeaten start to the Championship season faced a major test in a West Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Blues, sitting 11th in the table with six points from four games, aimed to extend a nine-match league run without defeat.
This was the first league meeting between the sides since the 2017-18 campaign, a season where Wolves did the double over their local rivals. Gary O'Neil's Wolves arrived at St Andrew's looking to win three successive league games against Birmingham for the first time since December 1999. They had also won their past three visits to the ground, but their recent away form told a different story.
How strong was Birmingham's form?
Birmingham City's form was a significant positive. They were unbeaten in their opening four games of the season, with one win and three draws contributing to a longer run of nine league matches without a loss. That sequence, comprising four wins and five draws, was their longest such streak in the second tier since February 2020. Their solidity is reflected in the season's goal tally, having scored five and conceded just four for a positive goal difference. This foundation will be important ahead of their next fixture, an away trip to face Norwich City on September 9th.
What were Wolves' recent struggles?
Wolves presented a contrasting picture, particularly on their travels. Before this derby, they had managed just one victory in their previous 23 away league outings, drawing six and losing 16. Their most recent trip ended in a 4-2 defeat at West Ham United, which was also their first loss of the new season. That result left them fourth in the table at the time. Goalkeeper Jose Sa's form was also under scrutiny, as he had not kept a clean sheet in any of his past nine league starts. According to Opta's expected goals on target model, reported by the BBC, Sa had conceded over two goals more than expected this season, a figure only exceeded by Burnley's Max Weiss.
What is the current squad context?
While building momentum, Birmingham City are managing their resources. The club's current standings show they are five points behind early leaders Swansea City. Manager Tony Mowbray also has to plan without midfielder Marc Leonard, who is listed on the club's injuries page as currently sidelined. The full squad will be needed to maintain their positive form through a busy period.
Where does this derby fit historically?
The fixture revived a local rivalry that had been dormant at league level for several seasons. Wolves' aim to secure a third straight win over Birmingham City highlighted the rarity of such dominance in this fixture. For Birmingham, protecting their long unbeaten run at home against a familiar foe added extra significance to the contest. The final whistle confirmed another point on the board for the Blues, keeping their promising start intact. They now look ahead to that Championship match at Carrow Road next Tuesday.
