Full Time: Derby County 3-1 Cardiff City
An incredible result for Derby County that saw them re-establish their place in the Championship playoffs and really keeps their dreams of playing Premier League football alive.
They went with five at the back for the second time this season but this time, Rowett’s tactics seemed to pay off and they found space down the sides. Cardiff were left shell-shocked and it has put their prospects of automatic promotion in jeopardy – a fascinating match.
Derby Player Ratings
Scott Carson – 7/10
Carson looked solid enough when called upon but didn’t have too much to do, only needing to make one save all game.
Richard Keogh – 8.5/10
Acting as a ball-playing centre-back, Keogh excelled this evening. His passing success rate was very high and he managed to grab an assist for his team – an excellent display.
Curtis Davies – 8/10
Davies looked like a giant at the back for Derby tonight. He won seven aerial duels and also tackled well. Looked solid in the heart of the Derby defence.
Craig Forsyth – 7.5/10
Craig Forsyth also did well. He won a lot of his aerial duels as well, which is very important against this Cardiff side. He did what he needed to.
Martin Olsson– 6/10
Didn’t look comfortable in the wing-back position and was caught out positionally on several occasions. The Derby team looked better after he was replaced.
Andre Wisdom – 9.5/10
Looked a different player to the one who played against Middlesbrough at the weekend. He was of quality and got two great assists for his team.
Tom Huddlestone – 7.5/10
Played well in the middle of the park and kept possession well for his team. Allowed the wing-backs to get forward and provided them with the ball.
Bradley Johnson – 7/10
Did well in possession, but could’ve won the ball back for his team. He didn’t win a single tackle all game but still played well.
Andreas Weimann – 7/10
Didn’t look fantastic when playing in central attacking midfield and looked more comfortable after swithcing over to the right wing-back position.
Tom Lawrence – 8.5/10
Has looked better and better since being given the freedom of that central attacking midfield position and did well again. He looked a threat whenever he ran at the Cardiff defence and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Cameron Jerome – 9.5/10
Jerome was absolutely immense this evening and made it clear to the Derby fans what they have been missing while he was on the bench. He was too powerful for the Cardiff defence to deal with and scored two good goals to win his team the game.
Substitutes
Matej Vydra – 8/10
The top scorer in the Championship has misfired a little in the last few games but he reminded us all of what he is capable of when he came on in the 60th minute. He scored a great goal.
Alex Pearce – 6.5/10
Replaced Weimann in the 88th minute to solidify the Derby defence before the end of the game. Looked solid.
Jamie Hanson – 6/10
Replaced Lawrence in the 88th minute to give Derby the legs to get over the line. Did well.