Derby County could not afford to lose points this afternoon in the ultimate Championship gameweek before the playoffs. The tie against West Bromwich Albion at the Pride Park was full of drama, excitement and end-to-end stuff. However, the Rams had the last laugh as they kept their composure and secured a 3-1 win to ensure a showdown with Leeds United in the Spygate tie.
Below are the Derby County players rated in their thrilling win against the Baggies.
Kelle Roos: 7
The custodian could have done little to stop Stefan Johansen’s equaliser. He was decent otherwise with timely outings and routine stops.
Jayden Bogle: 7.5
The youngster was excellent with his overlapping runs and crosses from the right flank. His pinpoint delivery was headed home by Martyn Waghorn to earn the hosts a first-half lead. Should have done better defensively as his headed clearance fell favourably into the path of the visitors which eventually led to Johansen’s equaliser.
Richard Keogh:7
The veteran Irishman was solid in the heart of the Derby defence. Won duels, intercepted a few ambitious moves, did well to keep Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle under control on most occasions.
Fikayo Tomori: 7.5
Had a towering presence at the back and impressed with his passing accuracy, no-nonsense defending and physicality inside the box.
Scott Malone: 7.5
Had some difficulties against Jacob Murphy, but balanced his game well with defensive duties and timely runs using the width of the pitch. Forced Sam Johnstone to make a couple of saves and kept on whipping in crosses from the left-hand flank.
Duane Holmes: 6
The American-English youngster had moments of excellence but struggled overall having been dispossessed twice. Lost most of the duels and should have done better to link-up with his teammates in the attacking third. Was replaced by Mason Bennett just over the hour mark.
Bradley Johnson: 7.5
Was combative in central midfield, and also marshalled the backline exhibiting his experience when the Baggies were dominating the midfield game. Played some astounding long balls and key passes to create chances high up the pitch.
Mason Mount: 6.5
The youngster was impressive with his swift movements, link-up play and work ethics. Looked a bit worn out after the break.
Harry Wilson: 7.5
The Liverpool loanee was a constant threat down the left flank. Kept on troubling Kieran Gibbs and Ahmed Hegazy with his directness, crosses and cut insides. Slotted the ball home calmly from the spot to grab an insurance goal to seal the tie. Got replaced by George Evans in the closing seconds of the match.
Tom Lawrence: 8.5
The Wales international was arguably the best player on the pitch. His pacy runs and mazy moves were troublesome for the visitors. Played his part in Bennett’s goal, and also won a penalty moments later which looked like a dive though.
Martyn Waghorn: 8
Scored a typical poacher’s goal with a thumping header to earn his side an early lead. But his time on the pitch was cut short due to an injury which forced him to make way for David Nugent late in the first half.
Substitutes
David Nugent: 7
Made his presence known inside the box as he forced Johnstone to make a few stops.
Mason Bennett: 7.5
The ball fell favourably into his path minutes after being introduced in place of Holmes, and the Englishman made no mistake in finding the net from a close range to restore the lead.
George Evans: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
