Automatic promotion is no longer in Derby County’s hands following a dismal goalless draw against Wycombe Wanderers, with only one player worthy of holding his head high.
Derby County arrived at Adams Park with the chance to move four points clear of third-place Bolton Wanderers heading into the final three games.
Paul Warne‘s men were well-rested following an eight-day break, and while that should have benefitted the players at this stage, they certainly didn’t play like it.
Derby lacked ideas as they failed to register a single shot on target while Joe Wildsmith‘s heroics at the other end stopped his side from losing the match.
The result means that, while the Rams are still in second, a victory for Bolton against Portsmouth would hand the initiative over to Ian Evatt’s side.
Several of Warne’s players didn’t play with any tempo tonight and struggled to replicate their promising performance at Fratton Park as only one player could hold his head high.
Ebou Adams was a rare shining light for Derby County vs Wycombe
As many of his teammates saw their performances dip, Derby’s midfield machine Ebou Adams remained consistently good in the middle of the park.
The Cardiff City loanee, who was lauded as ‘immense’ against Pompey, put his body on the line countless times to deny the hosts any joy centrally while also looking to burst forward at any opportunity.
Described by journalist Leigh Curtis as Derby’s “best performer”, the 28-year-old’s statistics from the match backed up that praise as he flourished in several areas.
Ebou Adams statistics against Wycombe, as per Sofascore.
- 90 minutes played
- 1 key pass
- 9 long balls (5 ACC.)
- 7 ground duels won
- 4 times fouled
- 3 tackles
- 2 interceptions
Adams’ performance won’t come as a surprise to anyone associated with the Rams, it’s just a huge shame the rest of his teammates couldn’t reach similar levels, otherwise, the match could have been completely different.
Derby County have passed up a huge chance
Derby had promotion in their hands but now they face an anxious weekend ahead as they have to rely on Bolton drawing or losing against Portsmouth to remain in second.
It’s typical that, after securing immense results against Blackpool and Portsmouth, Warne’s side drop a terrible performance against a team with nothing to play for.
The Rams shouldn’t have had to rely on favours from other teams and instead should get the job done themselves.
Sadly, despite occupying second currently, that has been the story of their season. Just as supporters begin to dream of finishing in the top two, they get slapped in the face by a lackustre performance.
Derby must now bounce back at home to Leyton Orient and hope Bolton and Peterborough drop points in their matches.