Reappointment of Steve MacClaren upturned Derby County’s season who had a disastrous inception of 2016-17 Championship campaign under Nigel Pearson. The former Leicester boss left the club by mutual consent with Derby 20th in the Championship table. However, MacClaren who came close to earn them promotion previously had a bright start of his second spell with a home triumph over Leeds United followed by a few favourable outcomes that took them around the top six.
However, the Rams have been pretty poor lately and collected only six points from past eight Championship fixtures that have put them tenth in the league table and ten points below the last play-off spot ahead of their trip to Brighton. The tricky away fixture has made things more difficult for the former England manager as his side suffered another heavy defeat (3-0) against the Seagulls.
The Best & Worst Derby County Players Rated From Their Loss Vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Scott Carson: 6.5
Although Carson conceded thrice in ninety minutes, he saved his side from further humiliation by pulling off a few massive saves.
Cyrus Christie: 6.5
Whipped in a perfect cross for Darren Bent who failed to finish it into the back of the net minutes after Brighton’s opener. Another cross of him hit the woodwork by Matej Vydra.
Chris Baird: 6
The centre-back made a few crucial blocks and interceptions and threw his body into the path of Brighton’s efforts, however, he could not contain the likes of Murray, Baldock and Knockaert which resulted in a one-sided outcome.
Alex Pearce: 5
Pearce, too, tried hard to stop Brighton’s free flowing football but failed to cope up with their pace and power.
Marcus Olsson: 4
Had a dreadful outing as he was repeatedly caught in possession, failed to track back and stop his opponents from using the width of the pitch. Neither did he manage to stop their crosses nor offered anything notable in Derby’s attack.
Julien De Sart: 4
De Sart failed to build the play from midfield. Was static and offered nothing in defence as well as attack. Was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Craig Bryson.
Jacob Butterfield: 5
Was slightly better than De Sart as he pulled off a few blocks to avoid further humiliation.
Tom Ince: 4.5
Ince, once highly-rated, was highly ineffective and despite skipping past the defence, his efforts had no end product.
Matej Vydra: 5.5
Vydra was denied by the woodwork within twenty minutes into the second half. Was largely ineffective otherwise.
David Nugent: 4
Nugent was used as a withdrawal forward and was given the role of a linker between midfield and Darren Bent up front. However, he failed to do so and was taken off at half-time and replaced by Will Hughes.
Darren Bent: 4.5
The former England international had an early opportunity to find an equaliser from Christie’s cross. However, his effort bounced over the bar. Was well contained by Brighton back-line otherwise.
Substitutes
Will Hughes: 5.5
The youngster brought mobility in midfield by failed to do anything spectacular to script a comeback.
Craig Bryson: 5
Bryson was brought in place of De Sart to win balls and hold possession in midfield. However, he did not offer much either.
