City stunned the defending Premier League champions with a surprising victory at St Andrews, as Lee Bowyer's 17th minute strike earned the home side all three points.
But it was the performance of goalkeeper Foster that caught the eye, as time and time again he denied Chelsea with a string of fantastic saves.
The most impressive stop came when the former Manchester United man kept out a Didier Drogba header in the first half that seemed destined for the bottom corner.
McLeish hailed the effort of his whole side but in particular piled praised on the excellent Foster.
On the keeper's performance, he told Sky Sports: "It was marvellous. We were under the cosh in the second half and we just couldn't get hold of the ball.
"I tried to get Alex Hleb on to take a bit of the pressure off us but Alex was frustrated at not getting a touch.
"We had to mount a rearguard and it was definitely all hands to the pump."
On keeping out Drogba's header, he added: "It was a kind of Gordon Banks save wasn't it? It took me way back to that fantastic save by Banks against Pele.
"His agility is phenomenal and I stressed the importance of a good goalkeeper two seasons ago.
"Joe Hart had a marvellous season and Ben Foster has also been exceptional."
McLeish had claimed in the build-up to the match that Birmingham could cause an upset and pile more pressure on the champions, and the Scot was delighted to see his prediction come to fruition.
He said: "Today was a marvellous result for us. I said before the game, 'it is achievable' but you never know with a marvellous outfit such as Chelsea.
"They've got players who can turn the game in an instant and they nearly did it a few times today.
"But we stood resolute. The players were fantastic in their commitment, determination, a great rearguard and a great goalkeeper."
On opposite number Carlo Ancelotti, he remarked: "Carlo Ancelotti is a marvellous coach. He's got fantastic experience, a cabinet full of trophies and he'll know the best way to get these guys back.
"I'm sure he'll be buoyed by the Chelsea performance because they were a good team today."
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