Conceding goals in injury time is a dreadful habit, but for Derby County fans it has become an all too familiar sight.
Derby’s Marcus Olsson in action with Preston North End’s Tom Barkhuizen
Tom Barkhuizen’s goal in the 95th minute secured Preston North End an unlikely point against Derby County at Pride Park Stadium last night.
That was Preston’s first and only shot on target throughout the whole match. It was a cruel blow but the fans’ reaction to the equaliser had an air of familiarity about it.
It is inevitable that every team will concede a goal deep into added time at least once in a season. However, the Rams have managed to do this on five occasions so far.
This has resulted in them missing out on eight points this campaign. Six points have been lost from winning positions and two points dropped after not being able to hang on for a draw.
Steve McClaren’s men sit in 10th position and hopes of securing promotion have faded away over recent weeks.They are currently 10 points behind Sheffield Wednesday, who occupy the final berth in the play-off places with 10 games to go.
Derby’s Matej Vydra celebrates scoring their first goal
It would be safe to say that a place in next season’s Premier League is now unattainable.
If you take away the goals conceded by Derby this season, their position in the league and outlook on this season would look a lot different. Derby would sit in seventh place, one place outside the play-offs and just two points behind Wednesday.
Supporters have questioned the players’ mentality in recent weeks as the team’s form has dwindled after an initial resurgence upon McClaren’s return in October.
It seems that a squad overhaul and fresh start might be the answer for the club as they prepare for their ninth successive season in the Championship.
What do you think Derby fans? Is Steve McClaren the right man to take Derby back to the Premier League? And are the current set of players up to it? Let us know your thought in the comments.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
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