Neumann gives depleted Blues the perfect Phil-ip

BIRMINGHAM

- By ALEX DICKEN

City had to settle for a point against Southampton on Monday evening after a controversial equalising goal.Phil Neumann's second goal of the season had Blues on course for three points before Cameron Archer levelled for the Saints 19 minutes from time.

Blues manager Chris Davies was incensed after referee Matthew Donohue impeded Tomoki Iwata in the buildup to the equaliser.

For Blues, the draw means they are now six games without a win and lost further ground on the Championship's top six.

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Davies didn’t have many cards to play when it came to team selection due to the mounting injury and suspension issues facing Blues.

Christoph Klarer (suspended) and Demarai Gray (injured) joined those on the sidelines and Davies patched up his team to go again three days after the taxing draw with Derby County.

With five defenders out, Davies fielded a back four that has never played together before and they coped well. Playing out was a tad nerve-wracking for those in the stands, but defensively Alfons Sampsted, Neumann, Jack Robinson and Eiran Cashin didn’t do much wrong. All four of them have shown their level, now they must maintain it.