It’s a Yankee doddle as Matt finish fires Royals fightback
ON-LOAN Chelsea defender Matt Miazga went from zero to hero as Reading staged a stunning comeback to leave Birmingham’s 10-match unbeaten run in tatters.
The USA international (below) was the fall guy as his back-header allowed Scott Hogan to nip in and net his seventh goal in eight games for Brum in the sixth minute.
But, Miazga grabbed the equaliser six minutes into the second half before goals from Yakou Meite and substitute Pele ended Brum’s league run going back to New Year’s Day.
Reading boss Mark Bowen said: “Matt showed great character.
“I wouldn’t blame him for the first goal – it was more a case of Hogan being a goal poacher.
“Miazga has two goals since I took over and he is a quality player.
“He was out for six weeks with an ankle injury and has now played three games in eight days and been top class in all three.”
Just 24 hours before the game, Blues had a charge from the EFL for an alleged breach of a business plan dismissed. But they couldn’t make it a double celebration as they failed to take their chances.
“I am relieved there is no points deduction,” said Birmingham head coach Pep Clotet. “The club was always very confident that would be the outcome, but it’s a big relief.” Brum’s on-loan Aston Villa striker Hogan blazed over in the 17th minute and shortly after half-time an unmarked Lukas Jutkiewicz glanced over. And Reading made Blues pay by scoring twice in five minutes. Miazga volleyed home in the 52nd minute before Meite glanced home a powerful header. And Pele sealed the win on the break three minutes from time.