Derby County supporters took to Twitter to lavish praise on forward Martyn Waghorn following his excellent display during his side’s FA Cup third round penalty shootout win over Southampton.
The Rams came from 2-0 down to defeat their top-flight opposition, booking their place in the FA Cup fourth round.
(Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Similar to the first game, it was Saints forward Nathan Redmond who tormented the Rams defence as he coolly shipped in his side’s second goal after Stuart Armstrong had given the hosts a second-half lead.
But just like the first game, Derby came back from a two-goal deficit with Waghorn heading in the equaliser. Writing on Twitter, supporters felt their summer signing was excellent throughout.
thought Waghorn put a real statement performance in. Worked his knackers off, got on the ball at every opportunity and has some real quality
— Joel Moore (@jmDCFC) January 16, 2019
Waghorn has to be in this side when fit……simple #dcfc
— Bullyboib (@bullyboib) January 16, 2019
Waghorn has been absolutely superb tonight #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Matt T (@Tweddds) January 16, 2019
#dcfc far better balanced when you have Waghorn, Wilson, Mount and Huddlestone all in the team
— Shane Milburn (@Sheepshufter) January 16, 2019
Waghorn,marriort,Wilson has to be front 3………and then we have to find a way to play that always Duane holmes to play in behind…..put the kid central he will do what Redmond did to us when he came on #dcfc
— stuart jackson (@jackostu21) January 16, 2019
Waghorn's best game in a #dcfc shirt.
— Daniel (@danndannuk) January 16, 2019
Waghorn joined Derby from Ipswich Town in the summer for a reported £5 million fee, according to Sky Sports. He arrived as the Tractor Boys’ leading scorer from last term, netting 16 league goals.
But the former Leicester City man hasn’t been a regular feature for Frank Lampard’s side. In fact, the 28-year-old has only made 11 Championship starts this season, scoring twice and grabbing one assist.
(Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Time for Martyn Waghorn to kick on
Many Derby supporters would have expected more. Waghorn, however, is showing signs of settling at Pride Park, despite being played out of position as to accommodate Jack Marriott through the middle.
Waghorn, Marriott and Harry Wilson make a potentially lethal front three full of energy and goals. Lampard’s biggest test this season though has been keeping them all fit at the same time.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
With David Nugent, Tom Lawrence, Duane Holmes and Florian Jozefzoon also battling for a spot in Derby’s attack, Waghorn, 28, has plenty of competition for places yet Derby do look a better outfit with him in the side.
There is no coincidence that Derby’s best performances this season, against West Bromwich Albion (A), Middlesbrough (A) and Southampton (A), have featured Waghorn, and perhaps his well-taken header against the Saints will be the springboard for more goals to come.
Also see: Nick Blackman admits his Derby County future is unknown amid Frank Lampard silence.