Thoughts on the Birmingham draw

I was away yesterday so missed the game so will just throw out a few thoughts to hopefully kick off a bit of a thread.

Clearly the result is not what was needed, yet interestingly with the point managed to close the gap on leaders Chelsea to six points and sit with a three point lead over fifth place in the table. There has been plenty of comparison between this season and last in terms of Mancini 'only' managing the same points as Mark Hughes did at the same stage in 2009/10.  However, a look at the table after thirteen games last season shows us in sixth place, three points off fourth and eleven points off the top so some context needs to be applied here.

From reports (and the brief MoTD) highlights it appears that City controlled the possession and dominated in terms of opportunities, yet an obdurate and resilient Birmingham side held firm. The concern is that Tevez apart, there is a lack of goals in the side and with the side well positioned, it may be that this area has to be addressed in January.

The big talking point from the game though is centred around the substitution of Carlos Tevez for Gareth Barry with minutes remaining that signalled widespread boos and calls for Craig Bellamy. Given the support Mancini received at West Brom following speculation over his future this was surprising to me.

There has been plenty of support again for Mancini following the game (particularly this excellent piece from Howard Hockin) so suggestions of the tide turning against him are wide of the mark but at the very least could we be seeing the start of a real split amongst supporters?

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts...