Birmingham's new hero Zarate can deliver survival goals

But the 21-year-old's work was almost undone by referee Rob Styles, who sent off Birmingham defender Franck Queudrue in controversial circumstances.

Styles, who was demoted earlier this season after a dodgy performance at Anfield, was way behind play when he awarded Manchester City a second-half penalty and sent off Queudrue for a challenge on Benjani.

At least Styles' bizarre decision did not ruin what was a memorable victory for 10-man Birmingham, whose supporters now have a new hero to give them hope.

No one had heard of Zarate when he joined Birmingham on loan in January. But the 21-year-old is one of the most highly rated youngsters in world football. He is now scoring vital goals that could help Alex McLeish's side avoid the drop.

Zarate, a January signing from Al-Saad in Qatar, may be young but he already has a proven record of scoring vital goals, including the winner against the Czech Republic in the final of last summer's Under-20 World Cup. McLeish may just have unearthed hidden treasure in the desert.

The manager decided against picking Martin Taylor, who has served the three-match ban he received for the infamous challenge that left Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva with a broken leg.

Instead, McLeish preferred to play Queudrue out of position at centre-half, raising doubts over Taylor's future at the club.

Hesitancy at the centre of the Birmingham defence almost cost McLeish dear after just six minutes. Radhi Jaidi was turned easily by Manchester City striker Benjani on the penalty spot but the Zimbabwean's shot hit the post.

The let-off acted like a stick in a hornets' nest, as Birmingham responded with a display of vigour and purpose. Elano cleared a Jaidi header off the line, Sun Jihai was inches away from scoring a spectacular owngoal and Queudrue's inventive overhead kick forced Joe Hart into a fine fingertip save.

Gary McSheffrey had a glorious chance when Richard Dunne's poor defensive header landed perfectly for him but he lashed his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Fortunately for McLeish, Zarate possesses a cooler head. And with the clock ticking towards half-time, the Argentinian responded with a canny finish from Queudrue's pass to put the home side ahead.

Zarate's second goal was even better. A long punt forward by keeper Maik Taylor was headed on by Mikael Forssell to McSheffrey, whose deft touch put Zarate in with a shooting opportunity on the edge of the box. It was all the invitation Zarate needed as he drilled a sublime low finish into the far corner.

Birmingham's two-goal cushion did not last long however. Benjani stole a march on Queudrue and the Frenchman tried to haul him back with his arm. Benjani made the most of it by diving to the ground theatrically and it was enough to convince referee Styles. He gave the penalty and dismissed the Birmingham defender even though he had only just crossed the halfway line. Another referee might even have booked Benjani for diving.

Styles at least proved consistent when he gave another dubious penalty, this time for Birmingham when Sun Jihai leaned into McSheffrey. Perhaps Styles felt he had to make amends.

The Birmingham midfielder picked himself up and scored from the penalty spot to ensure his side secured the precious points which their committed display deserved.