Piroe was completely marked out of the game again. He doesn’t have the natural ability of a good 10 to find the space, take the ball in tight spaces and play a killer pass and that hurts us against teams like West Brom who are v solid at the back.

That's not knocking him btw he’s not a 10 and never has been. He can play ok there but too many times it’s hurt us. Farke needs to address that, either with a formation change or a signing. His use of subs is also questionable and needs improvement, we’ve only scored 1 goal this season from a player coming off the bench, second worst in the whole division..

That`s an interesting and telling stat there mate.
I really don`t get how one of the best strikers in the Championship can all of a sudden play as a ten and his performances of late show how bad he is there.
Rutter for me has the creativity of a ten and Piroe has the skills of a nine and it seems obvious to me so what do I know?
I understand Rutter is better at closing the back 4 down and Piroe is too laboured to do that.
Maybe the closing down should come from James with Rutter dropping deeper to help the full back when the opposition are trying to clear from the back.
Over to Farke to come up with the solution, fast I hope.

Yep agree mate. I think Piroe works best playing just off another striker (support striker in a 2 up front) not a 10. Or possibly in a front 3 as a 9. I bet he’d have scored a bucket load for Leicester as they look to play 3-5-2.

Anyway what do we know lol. Farke most certainly needs to find solutions but no need to panic yet. I’ve seen fans calling for his head on twitter which is ludicrous

totally dominant. only had radio commentary as I'm still in the sun.
about time people realised you won't play well in 46 games. picked up another 2 points on all but leicester. long way to go. keep calm and believe in the coach

Exactly the game we needed after the last couple of games. Birmingham are relegation fodder under Rooney.

Agree Tad and JB on your points.
What did we learn from today?
Cooper not good enough, Firpo can`t defend and Farke has finally decided to play Rutter as the 10.
Good win against a terrible side.
Good results from the Ipswich, Southampton and West Brom games.
Now give some of the bench/fringe players a game next Sunday.

Classic Chapy always looking at the negatives. Firpos defence wasn’t the best but he had a great game.
No mentions of Bamford? Bet you were fuming with his goal

firpos never been able to defend. but against sides like this he's fine. I'd still buy a left back though.
I'd play a very second string next week. give everyone a good rest. who cares if we go out

I'd definitely rest Ampadu, Rutter and Summerville.

And Rodon

Totally agree Tad and as you say, back the coach he’s done a great job so far. You only have to look at the results around the league over last few days it’s a very tough division because of the amount of games. Leicester are absolute freaks and credit to the manager, he looks a world class manager in the making. They’re playing without pressure because of the enormous points gap which helps too

Firpo was great when he came on, considering how little he’s played too. He needs to stay fit now which is something he’s not managed in last 3 years or so (inc his time at Barca). He’s more than good enough at this level. When he’s fit he’s v handy going forward.

Bamford was superb and I’m chuffed for him and Leeds as we need another good option at 9. He gives us something different to Piroe and Rutter at 9 too with his movement and heading ability. Will do his conference world of good. Apparently he’s been great in training.

With regards to the cup match I’d play a complete reserve team. Wouldn’t risk Bamford or Firpo too given their injury history. I’d play Poveda Creswell Anthony Gnonto Gruev Jossph Etc

Long way to go and we’ve closed the gap and started 24 positively. Something to build on.

Haha only taken him 20 games to get a goal.
Decent average for our top earner don`t you think?
And Firpos defence was awful.
But if are getting a hard on over both Bamford and Firpo then good for you.

Definitely rest Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Summerville and Rutter.
No chance I would rest Bamford.
He needs game time and a chance to score more goals.
Klasson
Spence. Cresswell, Hjelde/Cooper, Firpo
Gnonto, Poveda, Gruev, Gyabi, Anthony
Bamford

Theres a difference between getting a hard on and been able to see positives in players performances.

And I`m sure you would know.
There was more than Bamford whose performances were positive.
I was picking out the weaknesses in the team.
I`m just replying to you criticising my negativity and maybe our standards differ and that`s fine.
But I expect more from our top earner and seasoned professional.
He`s missed 3 pens on the trot cost us a goal because he strayed offside and hasn`t found the net in 20 games.
Listen Bamford had a decent game and so he should against a very poor team.
I would be delighted if he now proves his worth and starts banging in the goals.