How Tom Wagner has reacted to Birmingham City's statement Coventry City success | OneFootball

Blues recorded a huge victory against their West Midlands neighbours on Sunday

Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner issued his latest message of support and congratulations to Chris Davies and his players after the club's pivotal 3-2 success over local rivals and Championship leaders, Coventry City, on Sunday lunchtime at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

Blues entered this all-West Midlands encounter in B9 on a dire run of seven Championship games without a win, with the pressure ramping up on Davies' shoulders as a result, although it was reported in the lead-up to this particular clash that the 40-year-old would not become the subject of any sack decisions from Wagner and fellow board members in the coming days and weeks.

Having registered three successive 1-1 draws against Charlton Athletic, Derby County and Southampton in their past three outings at St. Andrew's, Davies was hoping for an immediate response from his side after a dismal performance and 3-0 scoreline against Watford at Vicarage Road on New Year's Day, and he certainly got that against Frank Lampard's men.

In what could prove to be a critical transfer window for Davies and Birmingham amid the club's well-documented short and long-term ambitions, Wagner's namesake, Kai, was recruited as their maiden signing this winter from Major League soccer outfit, Philadelphia Union, on Thursday night, and was given his debut straight away as one of six changes for the clash against the Sky Blues.

The German's craft got the ball rolling after six minutes as his compatriot, Marvin Ducksch, opened the scoring with a side-footed finish on six minutes.

Josh Eccles then responded with a simple curling finish of his own two minutes later, before Birmingham restored their advantage 11 minutes later as Lewis Koumas rounded Carl Rushworth and tucked home his first Blues goal.

Ellis Simms then dragged Coventry level for a second time on the hour-mark with a low finish, before Ducksch fired in his second brace in royal blue in front of the Tilton with a 63rd-minute matchwinner, whilst Bobby Thomas was also sent off for the visitors after 95 minutes.

Tom Wagner issues passionate Birmingham City message after pivotal Coventry City win

Coventry boss Lampard stated post-match that the atmosphere wasn't as electric as he perhaps envisaged beforehand, believing that "the game was there for us" as a result.

Blues supporters would certainly beg to differ on that regard, although this particular fixture, of course, isn't the main source of rivalry for either fanbase.

It has been well-documented that Birmingham's home form has been particularly stellar for almost two years now, with only Hull City emerging victorious in either a Championship or League One fixture at St. Andrew's since April 2024.

Despite, for the first time in a long time in a home fixture, not dominating possession, a handful of changes when it came to team selection and tactics clearly paid dividends for Davies, who was extremely complimentary towards his squad for the way in which they went about their business in order to inflict revenge on Coventry for a dismal showing and 3-0 defeat at the Coventry Building Society Arena in late September.

"I think the players showed everything you need to win football matches, which is pleasing," said the Blues boss.

"They showed the quality moments, clinical finishing and aggression, togetherness, team spirit, and then the resolute side to the defensive work.

"If you do all that, you've got a great chance, and we beat the top team in the league because of it," he added.

Taking to social media after such a big win, Wagner, who has become known for being one of the most vocal chairmen across the EFL, issued his latest message of support.

As well as reposting the full-time graphic on Blues' Instagram account, a note underneath the image from the American read: "Love the passion today. Onward."

Birmingham City will hope Coventry City result provides momentum springboard for Chris Davies

It had been a frustrating month for Blues, with some believing that the prior run had lost them a shot at the top six despite the fact the Championship table remains very much congested.

However, one result, such as this narrow, yet crucial success, could change everything in a positive manner for Davies, who will hope a springboard for positive momentum can now be provided.

He and his players now have a two-week break from the league, as they travel to Cambridge United in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, hoping to reach the fourth round for a third season on the bounce.