There was a cracking atmosphere at St Andrew's last night as a full house saw Birmingham and Chelsea tough out a goalless draw. The Blues of London moved to the top of the Premiership while the Blues of Birmingham climbed into fourth position after racking up their sixth clean sheet of a very satisfying season thus far. It was one of the best games seen in the Second City this season and Stephen Clemence, an ever-present so far this season, was right in the thick of it as he stoked up Birmingham's engine room all evening. Ian Clarkson spoke to Clemence immediately after the game for his thoughts on Chelsea and looking ahead to the forthcoming derby against Villa on Sunday in another givemefootball EXCLUSIVE.
Q:WHAT WAS YOUR VERDICT ON THE GAME AGAINST CHELSEA?
A:In the first half I thought we had a bit of a go at them without creating a lot of chances. It was a half of few chances and then after the break they dominated the possession and it was backs to the wall stuff for us. If you get a point against Chelsea, when you consider the money they have spent in the summer and what they did to us last season, then you have to be pleased.
Q:THE TEAM PLAYED AT A VERY GOOD TEMPO IN THE FIRST HALF - WAS THAT DELIBERATE?
A:When you play against these sort of players, and I am sure it will be the same for every side who comes up against Chelsea this year, then you are going to be really up for it. You could sense the atmosphere amongst the crowd - someone said that is probably the loudest they have ever heard the supporters at St Andrew's and I would agree with that. It was a high tempo and I came off with ten minutes to go and was feeling pretty tired - and there are some other tired legs now.
Q:HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS IT TO PLAY IN A GAME LIKE THAT WHERE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON THE BACK FOOT?
A:It is a test of character and we have come through and stood up to them. There wasn't that many clear-cut chances so for us to limit them to half chances then you have to take you hat off to the lads. You always hope to win the game coming into it, but they are a quality team who are now top of the table and our aim is to be safe from relegation so it is definitely a point gained for us.
Q:IT WAS A NICE DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE LOCAL DERBY AGAINST VILLA ON SUNDAY?
A:I am sure that will be a high tempo game too so it is important we get ourselves up for it. We haven't lost at home for ten games now and I look forward to playing every game. It is nice going into every fixture now knowing that you are going to give teams a game whereas at the end of last season we were playing well but desperate for results to try and stay up. We have that extra bit of confidence now and feel we can compete against most teams.
Q:YOU WILL BE RED HOT FAVOURITES FOR SUNDAY'S GAME - DOES THAT BOTHER YOU?
A:I haven't really thought about it to be honest. I don't think there are any favourites in a local derby as I have played in a few Tottenham-Arsenal games as well as Blues and Villa last season and most of the football goes out of the window! It is about playing at a high tempo and getting the tackles in and getting a little bit of luck. Hopefully we will come out winners, but it is going to be a very close game.
Q:THERE WILL BE A MASSIVE BATTLE IN THE CENTRAL MIDFIELD AREA BETWEEN McCANN AND BARRY AND SAVAGE (IF FIT) AND YOURSELF?
A:I used to go to school with Gavin McCann at Lilleshall and shared a room with him for two years so I like playing against him! I am looking forward to it as it will be a good battle. Gareth Barry is a good player too, as is Lee Hendrie, so it's going to be interesting.
