Marti's mixed bag reviewed

Whether your glass is half full or half empty, City have provided plenty of food for thought this season. Here are our take-aways

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HIGH POINT: Birmingham City? What were we worried about?

(MICHAEL REGAN/ GETTY IMAGES)

Star man Fatawu on the ball often Abdul Fatawu is not only City’s most threatening player, but one of the most dangerous attackers in the division.

When a team has a player with that quality, the trick is to get them on the ball as often as possible and in the space to show their best attributes. City are doing that with Fatawu.

No player in the Championship has received more progressive passes this season, while he’s attempted 80 take-ons, more than double the next-highest player in the league.

He's also been able to score three goals, including two crackers. He’s City’s main man and they’re helping him to show it.

Two games into the season and City fans were questioning the attitude and commitment of the players.

Those complaints were taken on board and there's been visible fight in the performances since.

When they've had to, they've defended their box wholeheartedly to keep the opposition at bay. And when they've had to produce a comeback, they often have.

Only table-toppers Coventry have a better second-half record than City this season, with their sole “loss” after the break coming in the draw with Wrexham. The “arrogance” Cifuentes accused them of in that match was eradicated against Swansea, where they were superb in the final 20 minutes.