According to news published by BBC on Saturday, 7th of November, 2026, Birmingham City moved to the top of the Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win over 10-man Swansea City at St Andrew’s. Jay Stansfield scored both goals, including a late winner that sent the home fans wild.

The game started brightly for Swansea. Early on they won a penalty when Alex Cochrane was judged to have held Jenson Seelt at a corner. Ross Stewart stepped up but Ryan Allsop guessed the right way and saved it. Swansea kept pushing and almost took the lead when Goncalo Franco headed Eom Jisung’s cross against the post.

Everything changed in the first half when Marko Stamenic was sent off. The Swansea midfielder made a heavy challenge on Ethan Laird and the referee showed him a straight red card. With a man advantage, Birmingham took control.

They went ahead soon after. Patrick Roberts and Max Bird worked the ball down the right and Stansfield finished neatly first time. It was his 50th goal for the club. Birmingham should have scored more before half-time. Lawrence Vigouroux made good saves from Liam Millar and Bird, and Stansfield headed against the woodwork.

Swansea refused to go away. Twenty minutes into the second half they levelled in messy fashion. Josh Tymon swung in a corner and Christoph Klarer turned the ball into his own net. Suddenly the game was level and the atmosphere tensed.

Birmingham’s attack lost some of its edge after the equaliser. Swansea defended deep and looked to hit on the break. But with three minutes left, the home side found a way through again. Demarai Gray delivered a corner and Stansfield was there at the near post to drill the ball home from close range. St Andrew’s erupted.

The win makes it seven victories in nine matches for Chris Davies’ side. It is also their fourth straight home win. They head into the international break sitting proudly at the top of the table.

For Swansea the result is another blow. They have now lost four of their last five games and have slipped to sixth. Vitor Matos’ team started the season well but recent form has cost them. They will look back on the early penalty save and the red card as key turning points. Before Stamenic’s dismissal they had been the more dangerous side.