07 October 2023 , 07:35
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John Eustace lost his cool as Brum fought back to claim the derby day spoils.
The normally even-tempered manager savoured every moment of this triumph as the Baggies’ five-game unbeaten run came to a juddering halt.
His team were leading - courtesy of Dion Sanderson’s first-half header and a controversial Juninho Bacuna penalty - when sub Gary Gardner stepped up to take a free-kick three minutes from time.
The midfielder, who is still working his way back following a long-term back problem, produced a superb curling 25-yard effort to wrap up the points.
That left Eustace smashing his chest with his hand, shouting ‘This is what it means,’ to the ecstatic crowd in the Main Stand paddock.
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It was unusual for the club’s boss to show such emotion but with the club’s promising early season form stalling, back-to-back home victories were just what he needed after putting Huddersfield to the sword in midweek.
It was the first time that Blues had fought back to win after falling a goal behind in over two-and-a-half years. No wonder he was excited.
Eustace said: “I was very proud - that was a true Birmingham City performance. We had to dig in, fight, and we played some good football. That’s what we are about.
“It meant a lot to me. I’m an emotional person. This was special. We’re playing West Brom, at home, live on the television, full house. This is a big game and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Contrast those emotions with Carlos Corberan who could hardly bring himself to speak after referee James Linnington upset the Baggies with a penalty decision midway through the first half.
Cedric Kipre went to close down Koji Miyoshi inside the penalty area. The centre-half won the ball but caught the Japan international after slipping on his follow-through.
The official stunned the Baggies by pointing to the spot. Bacuna sent Alex Palmer the wrong way.
Matters didn’t improve for the visitors when Brum skipper Sanderson nodded home Cody Drameh’s cross. The game was in the balance - Darnell Furlong missed a glorious chance to equalise but Corberan was hugely miffed about Linnington’s penalty decision.
The Spaniard said: “We started well before the penalty. After it, it was difficult to analyse because it has changed the game.
“The player slipped. Today, we competed against more than just 11 players.
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“I talk with respect. I value the integrity of referees. I just want to defend my club. The penalty had a massive impact. Emotionally, it affected the concentration of our players.
“In life when something is unfair, it’s difficult to accept. I don’t want to talk too much because I’m too emotional. I've never had a feeling like this before in my life."