Derby County made their way to Stoke City in the first of three big clashes before the third international break of the season.
As has been the tale of the Championship for Paul Warne so far this campaign, the first half was poor from the Rams.
Derby went behind in the first ten minutes as Jacob Widell Zetterstrom took out Tom Cannon in the box to give away a penalty – which the Leicester City loanee smashed home emphatically.
A huge slice of fortune for Derby came in the second half when Ben Gibson’s header back to Vicktor Johansson found its way into the back of the net for an own goal.
Late in the game, there was a twist as Gibson got redemption with a header from a set-piece – though there was controversy as a clear foul on Nat Phillips at the front post was missed.
Derby County player ratings vs Stoke City
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom – 4
While the goalkeeper has pulled out some big saves throughout the season, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s performance for Derby against Stoke was far from ideal.
The shot-stopper made a poor challenge on Tom Cannon to bring him down in the box, giving away a penalty in the first ten minutes, which was costly for the side.
His kicking, however, appeared to improve through the game as he picked out some impressive passes.
Joe Ward – 3
Joe Ward was thrown back into the side after recovering from injury and had a pretty tough outing for the Rams.
The right-back was consistently exposed on the flank, leaving too much space for Stoke to cause some problems, before he was substituted at half-time.
Curtis Nelson – 6
A typically solid display from Curtis Nelson, who made some big blocks and challenges when required without being overworked.
Eiran Cashin – 7
Eiran Cashin was brave at the back and made a huge stop to keep the game at 1-0, blocking an effort on the goalline.
Craig Forsyth – 3
Left-back Craig Forsyth struggled in the first half with a few moments of difficulty in the defensive positions, while adding little in the final third.
The Scottish defender was substituted at half-time, with Callum Elder taking his place in the team.
Ebou Adams – 6
The very least expected of Ebou Adams is a performance with energy and endeavour and he provided just that in a game that lacked some real quality.
Ben Osborn – 5
Summer signing Ben Osborn struggled to assert himself in the first half, but managed to get more involved after the break.
The versatile midfielder put in some decent deliveries but couldn’t always add the quality that was desperately missing.
Marcus Harness – 4
Marcus Harness struggled to add any quality to the game, giving away the ball in poor situations and overall failing to make a difference.
Kayden Jackson – 5
One huge missed opportunity may sum up Kayden Jackson’s afternoon as he put down a free shot at goal, scuffing it towards Johansson.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing – 5
Derby captain Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had moments of brightness on the left, but was unable to stamp his usual ability on the game.
The winger struggled on set-pieces too, where several deliveries hit the first man and was unable to find an attacking header.
Jerry Yates – 5
Striker Jerry Yates is used to games where he has very little of the ball and there was more of the same in the trip to Stoke.
The forward was visibly frustrated by the lack of service and was substituted just after the hour mark.
Substitutes
Callum Elder – 6
A half-time substitute, Callum Elder made a difference on the left by offering an attacking threat on the wing with some bright moments.
The Australian played a huge role in the goal for the Rams by playing the ball forward for the own goal.
Nat Phillips – 4
A difficult afternoon for Nat Phillips, who was fortunate to not receive two yellow cards for challenges on Stoke players.
The Liverpool loanee was unfortunate to be nudged on a defensive set-piece that proved the difference.
Dajaune Brown – 6
Dajaune Brown had some bright moments but struggled to find a goal in the same way as against Hull.
Kenzo Goudmijn – 5
Kenzo Goudmijn was unable to add quality in the second half when he made an appearance.
James Collins – N/A
Striker James Collins only made a short cameo when he entered the pitch to try and find a way into the game.