Birmingham 1-1 Ipswich: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Birmingham 1-1 Ipswich in the Championship on Friday, 08 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Birmingham and Ipswich played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at St. Andrew's, with both teams showing resilience and determination. The home side took the lead through Jay Stansfield's well-taken goal in the 55th minute, but George Hirst's late penalty in stoppage time ensured the points were shared. Given the recent form of both teams, with this being the first match of the season, the result was not entirely surprising. Both teams will take positives from the game, with Birmingham showing good attacking intent and Ipswich demonstrating their ability to fight back until the very end.

The match was characterised by a high level of intensity, with both teams committing numerous fouls and receiving several yellow cards. Birmingham's early yellow cards to Osayi-Samuel and Paik Seung-Ho did not deter their efforts, as they continued to press forward. Ipswich, on the other hand, managed to keep their composure and capitalise on a late opportunity to secure a point. This draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive season for both sides, with key players like Stansfield and Hirst showing their importance to their respective teams.

The statistics from the match provide an interesting insight into how the game unfolded. Birmingham enjoyed a slight edge in possession with 51% compared to Ipswich's 49%, but it was the home side that had more shots on goal, with three to Ipswich's one. Despite this, Ipswich managed to create more scoring opportunities from set pieces, evidenced by their four corners compared to Birmingham's single corner. The high number of fouls committed by both teams, 16 for Birmingham and 22 for Ipswich, reflects the physical nature of the contest.

One surprising statistic was the disparity in shots off target, with Birmingham registering eight compared to Ipswich's five. This suggests that while Birmingham were more aggressive in their attacking play, they lacked the precision needed to convert more of their chances. The late penalty awarded to Ipswich was a crucial moment, as it was their only shot on target that resulted in a goal. Overall, the statistics align well with the result,

The game's opening stages were marked by early yellow cards for both teams, with Birmingham's Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ipswich's Jack Taylor being cautioned in the 19th minute. This set the tone for a physical encounter, with both sides eager to assert dominance. Birmingham took the lead in the 55th minute when Jay Stansfield scored a well-taken goal, giving the home fans hope of a victory.

However, the game's decisive moment came in stoppage time when Ipswich were awarded a penalty, which George Hirst calmly converted to level the score at 1-1. This late equaliser was a testament to Ipswich's resilience and their ability to capitalise on crucial opportunities. Both teams made multiple substitutions throughout the match, with Birmingham making four and Ipswich five, indicating a tactical battle as managers sought to influence the game's outcome.

Birmingham lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jay Stansfield leading the line and supported by a creative midfield trio of Kyogo Furuhashi, Seung-Ho Paik, and Demarai Gray. The line-up was largely as expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI. Stansfield's goal in the 55th minute was a highlight of his performance, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net.

The substitutions made by Birmingham were tactical, with Furuhashi, Stansfield, Gray, and Anderson all being brought on to try and secure the win. These changes did not ultimately lead to another goal, but they did help maintain Birmingham's attacking threat. Overall, the line-up and formation worked well for Birmingham, allowing them to take the lead and push for a victory until the very end.

Ipswich opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with George Hirst leading the attack and Sammie Szmodics playing just behind him. The line-up was solid, with no major surprises, and the team showed good organisation throughout the match. Hirst's late penalty was the standout moment, demonstrating his composure under pressure.

The five substitutions made by Ipswich were significant, with key players like Ben Johnson, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Sammie Szmodics being brought on to change the game's dynamics. These changes helped Ipswich maintain their energy and eventually secure a crucial point. The line-up and formation allowed Ipswich to stay in the game and fight back, showcasing their tactical flexibility and resilience.

George Hirst is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, with his crucial penalty in stoppage time securing a point for Ipswich. Hirst's goal was the only one scored by his team, and his composure from the spot was vital in ensuring they left St. Andrew's with a draw. Despite not registering any assists or key passes, Hirst's impact on the game cannot be understated, as his late strike was the difference between a loss and a draw for Ipswich.

Recent matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich (H)

Recent matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich (A)

Joint-top with 1 point after their 1-1 draw against Ipswich, Birmingham will aim to build on this solid start when they face Blackburn Rovers away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 15:00. The draw showcased their attacking intent, but they’ll need to sharpen their finishing to secure a first win of the season against a Blackburn side also looking to kickstart their campaign. Birmingham’s approach will likely focus on maintaining their aggressive attacking play while tightening up defensively to avoid late concessions.

Also joint-top with 1 point following their 1-1 draw at Birmingham, Ipswich will look to carry the momentum from their late equaliser into their next match against Southampton at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 12:00. George Hirst’s composure from the penalty spot highlighted their resilience, and they’ll aim to capitalise on home advantage against a Southampton side looking to make an early statement. Ipswich’s game plan will likely emphasise their ability to fight until the final whistle and convert key opportunities.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.