Game Report: Birmingham City 3-0 Luton Town3 much-needed points earned
In a complete turnabout from recent form, the Blues today overwhelmed Luton Town by a final score of 3-0.
And once again, it was newcomer Lyle Taylor who stole the show. Already on 2 goals in just 3 games, he added an assist and an unassisted goal as Birmingham City proceeded to a refreshing victory.
Defensive errors were on display in a Blues game again, but this time at the opposite end. The first – and in the end game-winning – goal came in the 24th minute when the clearance of a Gary Gardner cross was misplayed in the box, allowing Taylor to trap the ball and pass it to fellow newcomer Juninho Bacuna who sidefooted it into the roof of the net.
Taylor then took advantage of the ball falling to his feet courtesy of a deflection by Luton midfielder Henri Lansbury (on a Jeremie Bela pass) to add the second goal just after the break. The third goal was added when yet another cross – this time from Jordan Graham – was headed by Luton centerback Reece Burke only to reach Onel Hernandez – another member of the Blues’ new additions – who made no mistake in putting the game away after just 69 minutes.
Luton did have their chances, but failed to make any use of them. Despite 58% possession they managed only 2 shots on target with no big chances and a measly 0.52 xG. Birmingham in contrast had 6 shots on goal, 2 big chances and 0.93 xG, which they obviously easily exceeded.
The win lifts the Blues to 36 points and 17th place. Luton remains in 10th. Up next for Birmingham is a trip to Stoke City next Saturday.