Derby County embarrassed rivals Nottingham Forest 3-0 to move into the Championship play-off zone. Here’s how Derby’s players rated after securing their sixth win in a row.
GK: Scott Carson (7/10) – Largely untroubled by Nottingham Forest, aside from a decent save towards the end of the first half from a Matty Cash strike at goal. Organised his back line effectively which helped keep Forest’s attackers at bay throughout.
RB: Chris Baird (7.5/10) – Emerging as a more than competent stand-in for Cyrus Christie, veteran defender Baird was impressive throughout. The 34-year-old provided an assist for Thomas Ince’s goal to make the score 2-0.
CB: Richard Keogh (8/10) – A typically committed performance from the centre back. Keogh helped Derby keep a clean sheet with a couple of vital blocks in the first half.
CB: Alex Pearce (8/10) – Alongside Keogh, Pearce kept Forest’s Nicklas Bendtner quiet for the entirety of the encounter. Dominant in the air and comfortable in possession, Pearce was a crucial part of Derby’s defensive unit.
LB: Marcus Olsson (7.5/10) – Defensively disciplined and offered plenty of options going forwards. Olsson’s distribution and delivery from wide areas was one of Derby’s strongest features of the game.
CM: Jacob Butterfield (8/10) – One of Derby’s best performers, Butterfield kept the ball moving through the central areas with some excellent penetrative through balls. A dominating showing from the 26-year-old.
CM: Bradley Johnson (7.5/10) – The in-form Johnson was part of a Derby trio that completely over-shadowed anything that Forest had to offer. Johnson fronted up to Ben Osborn after the Forest midfielder implemented a tough tackle from behind; simultaneously stamping his authority on the midfield battle.
CM: Will Hughes (9.5/10) – Derby’s man-of-the-match and foremost play-maker, Will Hughes, passed and moved his way around his Forest opponents – making them look like statues at various points. Hughes scored his first goal of the season while making the score 3-0 in the second half, to sum up an excellent display.
AM: Tom Ince (9/10) – The 24-year-old really is starting to fill his potential, as in recent weeks Ince has been increasingly outstanding. Against Forest it was no exception. Along with Hughes, Ince ran the show and was at the heart of everything good that Derby produced.
AM: Johnny Russell (6.5/10) – Cannot be faulted for his application and effort, but Russell’s quality from wide areas has been better this season. The forward’s performance was summed up by a ‘row-z’ attempt at Forest’s goal in the second half.
FW: Darren Bent (6/10) – Given Bent’s recent return to form, the 32-year-old had a disappointing showing against what was a poor Forest defence. The 13-capped England international can point to a lack of clear chances, but ultimately would have preferred to get on the Rams’ score sheet.
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