Some Derby County fans have taken to Twitter to criticise the performance of Tom Lawrence following the 2-2 draw at in-form Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
The Rams came into the game looking to extend their four-game unbeaten run and a late Duane Holmes strike meant they left the Riverside with a battling point.
Boro were largely on top, especially in the first half when they could have been out of sight.
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images).
Derby fought back in the second half and equalised twice. First Jason Knight’s cross crept in off the post, then Holmes volleyed in a wonderful 90-minute leveller.
But despite the draw, Lawrence had another disappointing afternoon. He came in for the injured Jack Marriott, and some fans felt he wasn’t up to the task.
Here are some of the best tweets:
Lawrence back to form then – what does he know that ensures he stays in the team when he should have been jettisoned immediately following his misdemeanors.
— Reidar Vasbund (@reidar_vasbund) January 11, 2020
Greta point for us – convinced we’ve turned a corner after today’s result. That being said, disappointed Wisdom didn’t start and I’ve no love left for Lawrence. #dcfc #dcfcfans
— weißer Bär (@UndueElephant) January 11, 2020
Yet again I understand TL useless – still think he deserves to wear the shirt Steve? Stop towing party line and start calling for him to be dropped. Ask question to DCFC fans – who would rather sell or keep Lawrence?
— ramfandaniam (@ramfandaniam) January 11, 2020
Good point at Boro, would take that all day long.
Bird MOM again, bit of an off day for Rooney.
Lawrence poor, yes he won the ball back for the 1st goal, but he lost it in the first place. Showed his petulant child side again second half.#dcfc— 🐏 Scott Bareham 🐏 (@Scottbareham1) January 11, 2020
Can we have a tweet about how awful Tom Lawrence was/is
— DCFC (@DcfcFansTalk) January 11, 2020
Paterson worlds better than Lawrence
— DCFC (@DcfcFansTalk) January 11, 2020
Lawrence shows some desire and shock horror something happens. #dcfc
— Rob Allen (@allen_robert1) January 11, 2020
Well, Lawrence flatters to deceive yet again. He’s had about 5 touches of the ball in that first half, left all the closing down to Waggy, and generally just floated about again.
Noticeable how Knight, Holmes etc have gone back in their shell again too.#dcfc— 🐏 Scott Bareham 🐏 (@Scottbareham1) January 11, 2020
Tom Lawrence’s inclusion comes as a surprise:
Lawrence’s suspension saw him miss the wins over Charlton Athletic and Barnsley.
Many expected him to miss out again, but an injury to Jack Marriott prompted manager Phillip Cocu to place him upfront alongside Martyn Waghorn in a 442 system.
The change didn’t work. Lawrence was wasteful in possession and passed up Derby’s best chance before the break by opting not to shoot when well placed.
The Rams forked out around £5 million for the Welshman. On his day, Lawrence looks worth every penny, but that day is all too infrequent as he struggles with consistency.
Lawrence plays better through the middle. However, he was ineffective alongside Waghorn, and he marginally improved after being pushed into a wide role second half.
DERBY, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Tom Lawrence of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship between Derby County and Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium on March 13, 2019 in Derby, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington – AMA/Getty Images)
Overall, he must offer more to command a regular start for the Pride Park club.
Derby’s draw leaves them down in 17th in the Championship table, level on points with Boro.
Also see: ‘Gutted’: Some Derby fans react as defender departs Pride Park in permanent deal
Also see: Phillip Cocu provides Derby transfer update amid midfielder reports