Birmingham City were held against Rotherham United today, with club captain Dion Sanderson once again a talking point.
Birmingham City welcome strugglers Rotherham United to St Andrew’s today, for what was another must-win for the under-fire Wayne Rooney.
But Blues would be held to a goalless draw in what was a poor game of football with very few talking points.
One talking point was Sanderson’s goal-line clearance though, which saved a goal for Rotherham, but with some thinking the hit the Blues skipper’s hand.
A penalty was not given and the game petered out, with few failing to impress, including the captain himself.
Dion Sanderson struggling for form
Sanderson was a standout player at the start of the season.
His permanent move in the summer was a real statement of intent from Birmingham City who went on to be active in the summer window.
But since Rooney’s arrival, Sanderson’s form has tanked, and he put in another poor performance today.
Birmingham Live rated him a 5.5/10, with journalist Alex Dicken adding:
“Sanderson looks a different player to the imperious defender who starred in Blues’ opening 11 matches. The managerial switch and subsequent changes to playing personnel have unsettled Sanderson more than most.”
The 23-year-old has now featured in all 19 of Birmingham City’s Championship games this season, with today’s point leaving Rooney’s side in 15th place of the table.
Sanderson form sums up Birmingham City’s struggles
It’s not been a good start for Rooney.
He took over a club with momentum but that momentum has truly dwindled now, with Birmingham City looking like a shadow of their former selves.
And the same can be said of Sanderson; he became a hugely popular figure for his commanding and confident performances in defence, but like Dicken says, he doesn’t look like the same player anymore.
Whether his downturn in form can be wholly attributed to Rooney remains to be seen. But the change in style certainly hasn’t helped Sanderson and a lot of his Birmingham City teammates.
Something needs to change, and January could be a crucial month in Blues’ season with Rooney saying after today’s game that he wants changes to be made.
But the way this current team is playing, Rooney might be luck to make it January, with Blues fans really starting to lose faith in their new manager.
Up next is a trip to Coventry City.