Chuba Akpom goes top of Championship scorers chart with goal against Birmingham

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Chuba Akpom strike and a brace from Matt Crooks helped Middlesbrough to a hard-earned 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at St. Andrews on Monday.

The visitors’ fifth victory in six away games moves them into the playoff places. After winning their final two matches in 2022, a confident Middlesbrough began their first match of the new year on the front foot.

Jonny Howson’s lofted cross in the second half was nodded home at the back post by Crooks. Within two minutes of celebrating the opening goal, Crooks was wheeling away toward the Boro supporters once again.

The 28-year-old stole possession from former Middlesbrough captain George Friend, before friendly driving into the box and placing his shot beyond Ruddy.

Just as the visitors appeared to be in complete control, Tahith Chong guided a header past Steffen to set up a grandstand finish.

As Birmingham pressed forward in search of an equaliser, Boro broke away to steal the three points with Akpom rounding Ruddy to register his 13th goal of the season, condemning Birmingham to a third consecutive defeat.

Akpom moves to the top of the league goal scorers chart, a goal ahead of Coventry’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Middlesbrough are currently in the Playoffs zone with its fifth placement on the log with 39 points after 26 games.