Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart is man-of-the-match against Chelsea

Updated on: 27 December,2009 08:15 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Wins award for his gallant show in draw against fancied Chelsea

Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart wins man-of-the-match award for his gallant show in draw against fancied Chelsea

Birmingham City goalkeeper Joe Hart wearing a bandage after a collision during the Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday. PIC/AFP

It could have been even better for the hosts, for whom Christian Benitez had the ball in the visitors' net in the first half but the strike was ruled out for offside, despite replays suggesting he was level.

Hart was in fine form as City defied Chelsea and ended the contest with a bandaged head following an aerial challenge with Salomon Kalou as he epitomised the stern hosts rearguard. Florent Malouda was sent off for a second bookable offence late on for Chelsea, who have won one of their last five league games.

"It's one of the first games I've actually had something to do," man of the match Hart told ESPN.

"The lads have been absolutely awesome so there's no surprises we're getting results and where we are in the league.

"I've had a few words with them because they block everything and I want something to do.

"I enjoy the game and I enjoy making saves."

MARKED MAN: Chelsea's Didier Drogba controls the ball in front of Birmingham's defender Roger Johnson during the Premier League game on Saturday. PIC/AFP

One of the defenders immediately in front of Hart was Roger Johnson.

"It was tough, we knew it would be tough," said Johnson, who is a Chelsea fan.

"We made a good account of ourselves against one of the top four sides. There were a few chances. We've got a good defence and this season we've shown we're resilient at the back."

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