City’s aspirations of finishing in the top six were dealt a major setback after…

City’s aspirations of finishing in the top six were dealt a major setback after their Birmingham stalemate.

Hull City’s home problems were highlighted again on Tuesday night, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Birmingham City at the MKM Stadium.

City were forced to settle for a point for the third game in a row, and while their unbeaten streak now stands at six games, this felt like a defeat.

Of course, it’s another point, as Liam Rosenior would point out, but make no mistake: it’s two points lost, which may be expensive in the fight for a top-six finish.

You can have all the ball in the world, dominate as much as you want, and generate half-decent openings, but you will not win football games unless you put the ball in the net.

In that regard, football is quite simple. Yes, City is in a fantastic situation, but given the talent at their disposal, it could be better. This was another example of Liam Rosenior’s home squad playing within themselves, refusing to release the handbrake and squandering opportunities.

For much of the game, they performed well; Rosenior’s team produced some fantastic football and had Birmingham pushed back, but the important second goal never arrived. If it had came before the equaliser, we’d all be congratulating ourselves on a great effort and result, given the razor-thin margins in this game at this level.

Only time will tell how severe the consequences will be. Right now, it feels critical. Beat Leicester on Saturday and everything will seem better, but the issues we’ve seen this evening have been present throughout the campaign.

Something needs to change. That form must be turned on its head. City doesn’t win enough games at home, and they don’t score enough to put teams away.

They were so dominant for extended periods of time that it was almost humiliating, but you were always nervous, especially when Mark Venus made the alterations.

If you don’t kill out teams, you’re always at risk, as this illustrated. Birmingham deserved something for simply staying in the game and capitalizing on opportunities.

Expect more twists and turns in the coming weeks. There are ten games left, 30 points to play for, and these types of results will continue, and not just for City.

As difficult as it is to make a case after such a disappointing loss, it’s important remembering that City are in a fantastic position and have everything to play for in the coming weeks. This outcome will seem like a defeat, and there will undoubtedly be words exchanged in the locker room, but they must respond.