Decisive figure strikes early to lift Birmingham past Queens Park Rangers | OneFootball

Patrick Roberts settled it in the sixth minute, steering a left-foot finish from the centre of the box as Birmingham City beat Queens Park Rangers 1-0.

The winger arrived unmarked to convert from close range, timing his run into the heart of the area to give Birmingham control. It was the game's defining moment and set the tone.

Roberts stayed aggressive after the opener, drifting inside to force Joe Walsh into a low save (21.). His threat from set pieces soon told as Ethan Laird met his whipped delivery with a header that struck the post (33.).

He kept linking play between the lines and later teed up Demarai Gray to shoot from range (70.). Until his withdrawal, Roberts remained the clearest outlet, carrying Birmingham up the pitch.

The numbers backed it up: three attempts, two on target, three key passes and three accurate crosses from six, plus 20 successful passes in the final third. That blend of end product and service underlined why he was the decisive figure on the night.

Birmingham rise from 13th to 10th in the Championship. Queens Park Rangers slip from 16th to 18th. Birmingham host Sheffield United next. Queens Park Rangers visit Leicester City next.