Thoughts on last night

For me probably our most encouraging performance of the season in that I thought we looked a good, balanced side with a clear method of playing and we sustained it for lost of the match despite several players looking very leggy second half. Saturday will be a challenge because I think a few of these guys are running on empty but we cross that bridge when we come to it.

Once again, and this is not really a criticism more an observation, the curse of only ever being able to go one ahead despite having periods of dominance rears it’s head and in the end we were clinging on a bit and I feared they might get another in injury time. I don’t know what the issue is because we did create three or four very decent chances but we just don’t emerge from periods of dominance in games with the cushion our efffirgs deserve and Farke somehow needs to try and address that.

After a bright 5 mins from Derby we completely hissed the next 25 minutes and really should have had something to show for it before they rallied a bit at the end of the half. Second half was more even although we started it well and again controlled the mid section.

The key really is that our passing game and ability to retain the ball means we can take the heat out of some of the more challenging away games and stop teams building momentum as they can’t get the ball off us.

Thought everyone played well although special mention to Tetts and Leitner who I thought were immense. Stiepermann looked a bit jaded and had a quiet game and I would have taken Cantwell off after an hour as he looked exhausted but what do I know as he then had a great 15 minute spell where he was all over the place.

No doubt in my mind this lot are capable of top six if we stick to our style of play and don’t get too many injuries. Who knows, with the league as it is top two not a complete impossibility although probably optimistic.

Pride Park is a decent ground with a good atmosphere. Terrible getting away after the game though as was gridlock and having g huge sections of the M1 closed not helpful either!

Posted By: Jim, Oct 4, 08:24:30