Taylor can't fathom away-day Blues

Maik Taylor is perplexed at the stark contrast between Birmingham's home and away form, which could cost them their Premier League status.

Taylor: Rueing away form
Taylor: Rueing away form

Blues have failed to win away from St Andrews since early December and the 2-0 defeat at Fulham last weekend means their top-flight hopes are out of their own hands.

But they have been beaten only once at home in 2008 - against Chelsea in January - and earned wins over Manchester City and Tottenham as well as drawing with Arsenal and Liverpool.

They face Blackburn at St Andrews on Sunday knowing that, in order to survive, they have to win and rely on the results of Reading and Fulham going in their favour.

Taylor said: "The Fulham game was the story of the season and we tend to shoot ourselves in the foot.

"We were looking comfortable in the first half and were looking to build on that but then we concede again from a set piece and a mistake.

"We can't understand why we are so much harder to beat at home than away. We can't put our finger on it but we have to move on.

"We do the same things in training before an away game as before a home game, prepare in the same way but again last weekend it just didn't materialise and we gave soft goals away.

"The one consolation is that we have a home game to finish and we will have to try and continue our home form."

Taylor added: "It is a must-win game now and it isn't going to be easy. Blackburn are a very good team to play against and still have a chance of finishing sixth.

"We need to get the three points and then worry about what happens elsewhere. If the results go for us, we will achieve what we set out to do.

"The results didn't go for us last weekend but thankfully we still have an opportunity and we have to take it.

"We knew the first season back in the Premier League was going to be difficult, especially with virtually a new side and, with other circumstances, it has made it extremely tough.

"It's going down to the wire and we have to be prepared to keep going to the last second. Hopefully we can get the three points and then worry about other results."

Your Comments

jazza0707 (Aston Villa fan)

"Hardley been world beaters at home, just desperately poor away."

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