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Chris' words ring true as new leader is class!

Birmingham Mail

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August 26, 2025

SEVEN points from three games and Blues are looking as strong in the Championship as they did in League One.

- By BRIAN DICK

A deceptively comfortable 1-0 win over Oxford at St Andrew’s ensured they have carried last season's momentum into this.

The latest victory was delivered courtesy of Paik Seung-ho’s neat first half finish, after Blues had cut through the Us like a knife through butter. Here’s what stood out on Saturday.

Goodwill gesture

Blues manager Chris Davies referred to Demarai Gray as a ‘leader.’ What was noticeable was how he conducts himself in the small moments, little contributions that show he’s not just all about his own performance or in his own bubble.

There was a time in first-half injury time when he slid in to win back possession in a central area and with palms faced down gave the universal ‘calm down’ gesture. Gray wanted his team to retain the ball, take the steam out of things and get to the break with their lead. It showed a maturity and good game awareness.

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