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Birmingham fans all say the same about James Beadle after loss vs Leeds United

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Birmingham fans all say the same about James Beadle after loss vs Leeds United

Birmingham City faced disappointment in their FA Cup clash against Leeds United on Sunday, losing in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at St. Andrew's. Despite the defeat, goalkeeper Ryan Allsop earned widespread praise from supporters for his crucial interventions throughout the match against their Premier League opposition.



The 33-year-old made several important saves to keep Birmingham competitive in the contest. However, he was unable to prevent Lukas Nmecha from scoring in the 49th minute, giving Leeds an early advantage. Patrick Roberts responded with an 89th-minute equalizer that forced the match into extra time, but Chris Davies' side ultimately fell short on penalties, ending their cup campaign.

Fans highlighted Allsop's distribution as a key reason for him to feature more regularly in the team, with some suggesting he is "far too good to be wasted on the bench." One supporter even stated they "never want to see Beadle in goal again," reflecting frustration with the current number one.

The criticism directed at James Beadle, the 21-year-old goalkeeper, centers on concerns about his error-proneness and consistency. While Beadle has recorded three clean sheets in 2026, his statistical performance provides mixed evidence. He ranks 8th among Championship goalkeepers in save percentage at 70.2%, but his other metrics tell a less compelling story, with his Goals Prevented ranking 18th and his goals conceded per 90 minutes placing him 15th in the division.

The debate reflects broader questions about Beadle's readiness for regular first-team football at this level, with supporters divided on whether experience or established quality should take precedence in Birmingham's goalkeeping hierarchy.

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