This weekend saw it all, from own goals to red cards, postponements and table topping wins. How did your club get on?

Weekend football update

Image credit: @BCFC

Friday 6th August -

Birmingham City 2-1 Huddersfield Town

After a solid draw away against Luton last week, The Blues came up against Huddersfield in their first home game of the season. Moved to Friday night in consideration for the Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham, it was a first home game under the lights at St. Andrews.

Blues up against another team who made the play-offs for the second week, this time beaten finalists Huddersfield, would have to be switched on from minute one. And they did just that. With 5 minutes on clock, a Juninho Bacuna cross was met with a Scott Hogan diving header to give the home team the lead.

The Blues managed to get another just before halftime, Huddersfield seemingly forgetting how to defend, as Hogan’s cross found James and Placheta unmarked at the back post. James’ effort was blocked but the rebound was followed up by Placheta with the ‘keeper getting a weak hand to it.

It hasn't been a great start to the season for Huddersfield now having lost both their opening two games. They did however get a goal back on the hour mark to set up an interesting final half hour.

Blues stayed firm despite Huddersfield continued pressure and held on for three points. Three points that took them to the top of the Championship table (if only for a few hours)!

Image Credit: TEAMtalk

Saturday 7th August -

Bournemouth 2-0 Aston Villa

Villa kicked off their 2022/23 campaign with a trip to the south coast to play Bournemouth. The last time Villa played Bournemouth on the opening day they left 1-0 victors but won only 2 more games all season as they were relegated for the first time from the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard, after having his first preseason as Villa manager, was looking for a positive performance. After stripping Ming’s of the captaincy and dropping him from the starting XI, it was a big call but also showed the trust Gerrard had in summer arrival Diego Carlos.

3 minutes in, Villa found themselves 1-0 down to a Jefferson Lerma goal. Villa were down to 10 men as Lucas Digne was off the pitch changing his shirt due to a nosebleed, but there was no excuse to concede.

Villa had opportunities to score themselves but nothing really of note. Then in the 80th minute the inevitable happened as a Bournemouth cross was met by Keifer Moore, who headed into the Villa net to take all three points for the Cherries.

It will leave Gerrard with a lot to think about in the next week as Villa looked devoid of imagination or creativity and lacked any real presence in their own box. A dangerous combination.

Leeds 2-1 Wolves

After a couple of good seasons and European campaign Wolves fans would be hoping they could really kick on and establish themselves as one of the Premier Leagues Top 7 or 8 clubs. With the likes of Villa and Newcastle spending money this summer there were more teams competing for the final few spots.

Leeds, conversely, had struggled in their second Premier League campaign and narrowly avoided relegation. Having lost Raphinha and Phillips over the summer, many felt it would be another season of struggling.

Wolves took an early lead with Daniel Podence finding the back of the net. Leeds found a way through and got the equaliser courtesy of Rodrigo 19 minutes later.

Unwavering in their determination and dogged defending, Leeds managed to keep Wolves at bay.

Wolves were perhaps unfortunate to not score two or three themselves, but like last season, found it difficult to make the breakthrough without goal scorer Raul Jimenez. Certainly something Bruno Lage will want to look into before the transfer window closes.

Then in the 74th minute Aït-Nouri put the ball in his own net to secure the victory for Leeds.

Newport 0-1 Walsall

Walsall managed to stay top of League One with their second victory of the season over Newport County.

Danny Johnson was unable to add to his three last week as Newport and Walsall battled in a well fought game. Newport had got the ball in the back of Walsall’s net on 12 minutes but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Walsall finally got the rub of the green when Mickey Demitrou put the ball in his own net after Newport’s ‘keeper had made the initial save.

That wasn’t the end of the excitement at Rodney Parade as 6 minutes from time, Walsall’s Taylor Adam received his second yellow card and got his marching orders.

Walsall were able to hold on to an important point on the road and keep the top spot.

Sunday 7th August

Coventry p-p Rotherham

In another Commonwealth Games disruption to the West Midlands football calendar, Coventry City had their game against Rotherham postponed due to the poor quality of the pitch.

The decision was made on Saturday with the club releasing a statement confirming that the game was to be moved after an inspection of the pitch found it was unsuitable for Championship football.

It will leave many scratching their heads as to why this happened or why it was allowed to happen as the Rugby 7’s in the Commonwealth Games were held at the Coventry Building Society Arena this past week.

The ground is shared by both Wasps RFC and Coventry City. If the pitch cannot handle both rugby and football being played on it are we likely to see more postponements in the future?

This week’s winner: After getting his first win as Blues manager and taking them to the top of the table, it has to be John Eustace. For the first time in a while Blues have topped the pile so that shouldn’t go unnoticed!

This week’s loser: A tough one this week as the Premier League clubs let down the West Midlands. For me though, it has to be whoever runs Coventry Building Society Arena. A few games of Rugby 7’s shouldn’t be leading to the postponement of fixtures and certainly not the first home game of the season.