Analysis The numbers behind the result
Birmingham's early blitz overwhelms Millwall
Birmingham's 3-0 victory was richly deserved, underpinned by a dominant first-half performance that effectively decided the match. Despite Millwall registering a higher xG (0.93 vs 1.23), Birmingham's clinical finishing in key moments proved decisive. Alex Cochrane opened the scoring in the first minute, setting the tone, while Max Bird's 16th-minute strike and Jay Stansfield's 29th-minute goal sealed Millwall's fate early.
Birmingham's 55% possession translated into greater attacking efficiency, with 19 total shots (8 on target) compared to Millwall's 15 (2 on target). The home side's ability to convert chances (3 goals from 1.23 xG) highlighted their sharpness in the final third. Millwall, despite 13 shots inside the box, lacked precision, managing just 2 shots on goal and failing to capitalise on their opportunities.
The key stat lies in Birmingham's first-half ruthlessness, scoring three goals from just four clear chances, effectively nullifying Millwall's resistance and securing a comfortable victory.