Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to criticise the performance of Craig Bryson at Blackburn Rovers.
The Rams travelled to Blackburn looking to pick up a valuable three points in their bid for a Championship playoff spot.
Frank Lampard’s side had scored nine goals in their previous two games so they should have been full of confidence. However, the Rams put in a subdued display and thoroughly got what they deserved – nothing.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Two second-half goals from Rovers condemned the visitors to a 2-0 defeat, and a massive blow to their playoff hopes. Bristol City winning at home to West Bromwich Albion only made matters worse.
Lampard made two changes from the side that started against Brentford. Scott Malone’s injury meant Ashley Cole came in, but the other notable change was Bryson replacing new fans favourite Duane Holmes.
The decision prompted team-selection questions on social media, and those soon turned into unhappy responses as Bryson put in a poor individual display.
Just putting this out there Huddlestone is a better player than Johnson and Bryson combined… Bryson good servant but time to move on and improve #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Gav (@Gav1981) April 9, 2019
Legs have gone. Simply not the same…..time catches up with us all. Unfortunately for Bryson his game was built around stamina, speed and agility. Huddlestone…..has always been slow.
— Mark Orlow (@mark_orlow) April 9, 2019
Starting with a midfield of Johnson and Bryson was only going to end one way,losing the creativity that Wilson has from the middle and playing him out wide when he’s never been a wide man #dcfc
— matthew atkin (@matthewa12345) April 9, 2019
Just bizarre from Lampard tonight. Bryson? Nugent and Josefzoon ahead of Marriott? Still doesn’t excuse that performance. There’s no excuse for not putting in the effort. That should be minimum. #dcfc
— Samuel 🐑 (@DCFCMiguel13) April 9, 2019
You start to wonder whether we actually want to go up. Bryson over Holmes, no Marriott in the squad, Nugent wandering around the pitch clapping like a cheerleader. Tonight was a must-win & we’re getting everything we deserve! #dcfc #dcfcfans
— NickyB (@BirchyN85) April 9, 2019
Just dont get not playing Marriott who is the future versus Nuge who is leaving. Ditto Duane v Bryson. Madness from Frank and lets not even discuss subbing Mount. #dcfcfans #dcfc
— Chris Smith (@cspaceram) April 9, 2019
How Craig Bryson struggled at Ewood Park:
Bryson wasn’t the only Derby player who struggled at Ewood Park. However, the Scotland international’s inclusion ahead of Holmes meant he was in the limelight and under pressure to perform.
Holmes offers drive, creativity and elegance on the ball, meaning he can stand out from the rest. Bryson, unfortunately, is now past his best at 32 and unable to really influence the game.
For a player who netted a posted a whopping 16 goals and 13 assists in the 2013/14 campaign, it has been a gradual decline for Bryson and it’s hard to see him remaining beyond the summer when his contract expires.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
As for Derby, defeat leaves their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. They may now need to win at least five of their remaining six games, including the game at Bristol City.
Also see: Derby County reportedly face competition for the future of Kelle Roos.