Solid Keogh, Excellent Nugent – The best and the worst-rated players as Derby County drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest

Solid Keogh, Excellent Nugent – The best and the worst-rated players as Derby County drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest

The East Midlands derby remained goalless as promotion-inspired Derby County couldn’t get past 15th placed Nottingham Forest. The game started off in the home side’s favour, who kept more of the ball and worked it around with little outcome. Despite having hogged the ball more than their opponents, Forest failed to finish it off and eventually, failed to register a shot on target.

To be fair, Derby had their chances but they didn’t make the most of them. David Nugent and Tom Lawrence forced a double save from Pantalimon and that goes down as their best opportunity. Nugent was in the mix of things, as he also saw his header saved. In the second half, Tom Huddlestone picked up two yellow cards and piled more pressure on his side. Regardless, the Rams committed bodies forward and splurged forward in numbers. They remain fifth on the ladder, four points ahead of seventh-placed Bristol City and will digest this match as a missed opportunity to taunt the top two.

Here are the Derby County players’ ratings –

Scott Carson: 8/10

Didn’t face any shots on target and hence, was left undisturbed. Otherwise, Carson was confident. His collection and distribution were both excellent.

Andre Wisdom: 7/10

Won his share of tackles, held a tight grip down his side and defended well. He kept hold of the ball and helped the attackers.

Richard Keogh: 8/10

Shut out gaps, was alert and aware throughout the game. He covered the gap between him and the fullback, won the aerial duels and was strong.

Curtis Davies: 6/10

Defended robustly and smartly, gelled well with his partner, Richard Keogh, but missed an absolute sitter from an Anya delivery.

Craig Forsyth: 7/10

Spent his time tracking and picking runs, which he did outstandingly. Otherwise, a neat display by him.

Tom Huddlestone: 3/10

Was doing alright in the middle with his work rate and passing, but his red card only made matters worse. It was expected and although the second yellow might have been harsh, the former Hull City midfielder was warned and alarmed many a time.

Bradley Johnson: 7.5/10

Broke the opponent’s attack, won the 50-50 battles and was safe in possession.

Andreas Weimann: 7/10

Drew fouls, won free kicks, expressed himself fully and played in some delightful passes. He just failed to do it on a continuous basis for all 90 minutes.

Tom Lawrence: 6.5/10

Carried the ball with safety and productivity, created chances but should have applied the final touch on a couple of occasions.

Ikechi Anya: 8/10

Ran at the opposition full back, crossed the ball with intent and venom, completed his defensive work and completed an all-round display.

David Nugent: 8/10

Should have done the job for his side with a goal at least. Nonetheless, Nugent was lively, powerful and threatening. He had over four clear-cut shots on goal and proved to be a real menace for the Tricky Trees’ defence.

Substitutes –

Kasey Palmer: 7/10

Plugged in gaps, won challenges and aided the forward play.

Cameron Jerome: 6/10

Had some moments, but for the most part of the game, he lacked the final decisive touch.

Jamie Hanson: NA

Came on just to try and create something, but played very little.