MX23RW : Thursday, November 5 20:48:21| >> :120:22224:22224:

Aitor Karanka not concerned about Birmingham City's goalscoring woes

Aitor Karanka not concerned about Birmingham City's goalscoring woes
© Reuters
City have still to score in open play this season following their goalless draw at QPR.

Birmingham manager Aitor Karanka insists he is not worried about his side's failure to score in open play this season.

A 0-0 draw at QPR extended a frustrating run for both teams but Karanka believes there are positive signs.

"I am not concerned at all. The main thing for me is to have a committed team on the pitch," he said.

"We are building and we know we have the quality to score goals.

"I am a manager who prefers to draw 0-0 than 5-5 or 4-4. A clean sheet means commitment.

"With this commitment and more regular time together, we will score goals and when that happens these draws will be wins."

But Karanka did regard the stalemate at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium as two points dropped, given that the visitors were on top for much of the game.

"We lost two points because we should have won this game," he said.

"But we had chances and it was a good performance, so it's another step forward.

"We played more offensively, had good chances and showed consistency on the pitch. Another clean sheet is important.

"When players are committed, everything is easier. The group we have here is amazing – everyone is committed and it's easy to manage them when you know you have a committed team on the pitch and the bench.

"I prefer to look at the good things – and the team are playing well."

QPR manager Mark Warburton was encouraged by his team's improved second-half display but felt they could have been more direct.

Like Birmingham, Rangers have gone six matches without a win and failed to score in their past three.

Warburton's side were on the back foot for most of the first half but went close to scoring early in the second when Bright Osayi-Samuel's shot was headed off the line by Blues captain Harlee Dean.

From the resulting right-wing corner by Ilias Chair, Lyndon Dykes' header bounced up and clipped the top of the bar.

And Chair had a late chance to break the deadlock but fired wide of the far post after Osayi-Samuel had pulled the ball back for him from the right-hand side.

"It was poor in the first half, if I'm honest," Warburton said.

"We didn't move the ball with any real intensity or purpose and we looked a bit lacklustre.

"We didn't mix it up enough and didn't deserve anything in the first half.

"The second half was much better and we moved the ball a lot quicker. We created chances in that second half and it was much better from us.

"Birmingham always pose a threat. From set-pieces they've got real physicality, so we're pleased to keep a clean sheet.

"But we must get the ball towards the other end. We were trying to walk the ball into the net – score too perfect a goal.

"Sometimes you just need to flash the ball across, get a nick on it and get something.

"It's a tough programme of fixtures at the moment. You just rest and then get ready for the next game."

ID:419665:cQx

Click here for more stories about Aitor Karanka

Click here for more stories about Birmingham City

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Boro boss Neil Warnock on September 11, 2020
Read Next:
Saturday's Championship predictions including Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Reading10712179822
2Swansea CitySwansea10541136719
3Norwich CityNorwich10532128418
4Middlesbrough945094517
5Bournemouth10451128417
6Bristol City105231411317
7Millwall10442108216
8Luton TownLuton10514810-216
9Brentford104331712515
10Watford9432107315
11Stoke CityStoke104331212015
12Preston North EndPreston104151412213
13Cardiff CityCardiff103431210213
14Birmingham CityBirmingham1034388013
15Huddersfield TownHuddersfield104151112-113
16Queens Park RangersQPR103431012-213
17Blackburn RoversBlackburn103251813511
18Barnsley102441013-310
19Rotherham UnitedRotherham10235811-39
20Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10235712-59
21Coventry CityCoventry102261020-108
22Wycombe WanderersWycombe10217617-117
23Derby CountyDerby10136514-96
24Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds10325610-45

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!