The early signs are very encouraging from Bowyer's Blues, they were galvanised by the new manager's arrival to stay up comfortably in the end last term and look to be kicking on now sat just one point outside the play-off places.

Birmingham have been involved in a relegation battle to some extent consistently over the last few seasons, the supporters will be hoping that 2021/22 will be the year they can return to stadiums, relax and watch their team play without such anxieties.

The Verdict

The Blues had only scored once in three league outings prior to the weekend, so it would have been pleasing for Bowyer to learn they have a ruthless performance like that in their locker.

Aneke has struggled for fitness since leaving Milton Keynes Dons and has only been introduced from the bench in the last three games, while Scott Hogan's hot streak persists and Lukas Jutkiewicz's body holds up it is hard to see where his first league start comes from, but over the next 42 games he will get his chance.

It is down to the Arsenal academy graduate to take that chance and announce himself as a credible force at second tier level. He has the talent.