Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on David Nugent following his performance in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Premier League opposition Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Rams were looking to add Brighton to their top-flight scalps in cup competitions this season, but they came up short. Goals from Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia did the damage, despite Ashley Cole’s late consolation.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
It was a disappointing performance from Derby overall, with Nugent epitomising their ineffectiveness against a decent, organised opposition.
Taking to Twitter, many Derby fans felt Nugent just lacked the quality to harm Brighton and called for manager Frank Lampard to give the 33-year-old a prolonged rest.
Here is a pick of the best Tweets:
David Nugent shouldn’t be playing for the #Rams. I would rather have youth on the bench than a player who doesn’t score. Waghorn should have started up front as he is in form. Nugent shouldn’t have been in that line up. #DCFC #DCFCFans. Cole seemed to offer some leadership.
— Dylan Smith (@JayDillinger123) February 16, 2019
No point keep saying that Nugent is finished. He clearly can’t offer the level of performance we require anymore but he gives 100%. Move on to pastures new in the summer. But for now get behind him and others we’re all in it together. #dcfc
— Tom Hunt (@tomahunt1) February 16, 2019
So we played a bit better when Nugent and Malone went off. Colour me surprised. #dcfcfans
— Scott Gration (@srgDCFC) February 16, 2019
David Nugent is not good enough. Game changed when he went off #dcfc
— BIRLS™ (@josh_birley) February 16, 2019
Always the last 10 minutes , and down 2-0 , isn’t it funny that we played better when nugent went off
— michael (@mlbchubbs) February 16, 2019
Game changer Nugent went off!!! Frank let that be a lesson dont start with nugent….cant fault derby in the last 10 min and well done Ashley Cole on bagging a goal onto the next you ramsssss #DCFC #dcfcfans
— ⚽GemDCFC⚽ (@svengem2011) February 16, 2019
Nugent is a waste of time today. Literally any other player would be better #dcfc
— Chris (@buckers2011) February 16, 2019
How David Nugent struggled at Brighton:
Nugent was chosen to lead the line at the Amex Stadium with first-choice striker Jack Marriott still not 100% fit. He managed just a 46.7% pass-accuracy rate and failed to record a single shot on target.
The former Leicester City man is a popular player at Pride Park for the effort he gives. However, after recording nine goals and four assists in 29 starts last season, he now looks a shadow of his former self.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Nugent has managed just two goals in 23 Championship appearances overall. His finishing ability seems to have declined. He missed key chances against Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Ipswich in recent months which would have seen the Rams pick up another six points.
With Marriott returning to the side, Nugent may see his game-time limited over the next few months. Derby’s FA Cup exit leaves them with just the league to concentrate on, as they currently sit just outside the playoffs.
Nugent’s contract at Derby expires this coming summer. Without a drastic change in the striker’s form, many can expect this to be his final season at Pride Park.
Also see: Where does Raul Albentosa rank in Derby County’s worst signings of recent seasons?
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)