It wasn't the best of matches today, by a long shot. Although we were always the better team, in control throughout, we didn't really deserve to win - if Birmingham had anything to play for, they probably would have beaten us, and we can take some consolation from the fact that they were already relegated coming into the match.
The match never really got going at all - I think that if Sam hadn't critisised the supporters for booing the performance against Middlesbrough, many fans would have been booing at half-time. The only boos I heard were when Sam took off Ivan Campo, who is understandably a crowd favourite. With his future yet to be decided, I think many of us would have liked to see him finish the match. Bringing on Jay-Jay Okocha and Ricardo Vaz Te was an inspired move on Sam's part, though. I think Jay-Jay may have made just one pass that didn't reach its intended target today, whilst Vaz looked dangerous, grabbing the winner and setting Kevin Davies up for the best chance that didn't go in.
I think that Okocha's recent performances have been enough to warrant at least a one-year extension to his contract - and today showed why. He was perhaps the only one with vision and ideas today, and perhaps just as well. Campo was launching a few nice passes in the first half, but nothing compared to the skill of Jay-Jay.
Jussi did well in goal, as usual, keeping DJ Campbell's effort out excellently when one-on-one, albeit from a tight angle. The defence looked solid enough, although Birmingham's strikeforce wasn't exactly dangerous. Thought, however, that Jermain Pennant was too much of a threat for Henrik Pedersen - the Dane was definately the weak link in our defence.
Midfield could have been better - Gary Speed had a lot of clear up work to do as a result of Kevin Nolan, who I though was sloppy at times today and didn't have the best of matches. A superb assist for the winner though. Stelios looked busy but never really had the final touch today, whilst Kevin Davies up front had a good game - came into it a bit more in the second half, harrassing the goalkeeper and getting stuck in quite a bit. Once again though, Jared Borgetti barely given any time to do what he can.
All in all, it was good to see that despite a poor performance, we did our bit today, and it's a shame that it was out of our hands really. Around me, there was a general air of resignation that we weren't going to make the InterToto - we all felt that Newcastle would win. But 8th in arguably the best league in the world is nothing to be ashamed of, even if it is a drop down on last seasons finish. It's no secret that we suffered burn-out as the season progressed, and maybe with less competitions next season, we can mount a better challenge in one competition.
A final note about our club though: Several players are rumoured to be leaving in the summer. Some of these rumours have been on-going for quite a while - Jay-Jay, Campo etc - whilst some have only come about recently; I heard that Bruno is an almost certainty to leave. I would just like to wish them all the best if their careers continue, and if they retire, then I wish them a happy retirement. Each and every player that leaves us has contributed to the success we've achieved in recent years, and I hope all fans recognise and remember this.
A final note - excellent support from the Birmingham fans. At the end, when they were singing "Bye-bye, to the Premier League" - they fully deserved their sincere standing ovation from us Wanderers supporters. It's a shame that such a talented squad has gotten itself relegated, as no doubt the vultures will start circling, and the squad will be picked apart. I wish them all the best in the Championship next season - hell, it's quite a culture shock going from Old Trafford and Highbury to Layer Road (Colchester) and Home Park (Plymouth)! All the best, and hope to see them soon.