Birmingham avoided the ignominy of ending 2010 in the EPL’s relegation zone thanks only to Lee Bowyer’s late, controversial equaliser at home to league leaders Manchester United this week.

Dismal defeat at Midlands rivals and fellow-strugglers Wolves left manager Alex McLeish fuming at his side as they “didn’t turn up at all for the first 60 minutes.”

But they maintained their good home form to end the year on a more optimistic note, despite striker Nikola Zigic handling the ball and fouling his marker as he set up Bowyer.

McLeish now has the luxury of being able to name an unchanged line-up for the visit to St Andrews of United’s fellow title challengers Arsenal on New Year’s Day evening.

And while the Scot believes only Arsenal are capable of stopping United winning the title, he also believes his Blues side can at least replicate the draw with United. He said:

“Everyone looks to the big teams as bonus points, but I think here at St Andrews I’m expecting us to be getting points against anybody.”

And he hasn’t forgotten Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s post-match comments after last season’s corresponding EPL fixture, which ended 1-1.

Wenger complained about Birmingham City’s tactics and the St Andrews pitch. And McLeish said: “I took that as a compliment. I knew psychologically that had an effect.

“We know Arsenal are capable of turning anybody over on their day, but if they feel a wee bit apprehensive that can give us a couple of per cent edge.”