Derby County were unfortunate to lose out 3-2 against Norwich City.
Derby County were hoping to make it four home wins on the bounce in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with Norwich City sitting in their way.
They would have to do so without David Ozoh in the centre-of-the-park, and Ben Osborn looked to fill the shoes of the Crystal Palace loanee.
A lengthy period of Derby County being up against the cosh from the Canaries kicked off the game, however Paul Warne’s side was able to stay resolute, with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom looking strong in-between the sticks.
Whilst there were few significant chances to speak of in the first half, there was plenty of controversy before the break as Norwich City went ahead courtesy of a brilliant finish from Borja Sainz, however the ball clearly went out of play in the build up.
It was a much-improved second half for Derby County, and Craig Forsyth was able to bring his side level with a brilliant finish from a corner.
However, it was instantly met by yet another goal from Sainz, who was able to send it past Zetterstrom from outside the box, and the game soon fizzled out as the Norwich attacker bagged his hat-trick.
There was hope restored courtesy of Corey Blackett-Taylor, who scored a brilliant goal to bring it back to 3-2, however the Rams were unable to build on the goal.
Here are our player ratings as Derby County lost 3-2 to Norwich City…
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Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
Looked in trouble at times when defending set-pieces. Great awareness in the 20th minute to rush out and deny Josh Sargent. Could not have done much for either of Sainz’s goals. 6/10.
Ryan Nyambe
Offered very little on the attacking front, however showed no glaring issues defensively. 6/10.
Eiran Cashin
Made an impeccable challenge in the six yard box to place the ball out of Sargent’s path, easily saved a goal. Should have closed down Sainz for his second goal. Often looked to step ahead and helped Ebou Adams in intercepting play. Almost scored a remarkable effort from 30 yards out. 7/10.
Curtis Nelson
Competent showing at the back, which saw Derby County nearly see out the first half with a clean sheet before Sainz’s controversial goal. 6/10.
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Craig Forsyth
Looked to be a yard off the pace in the first half, was rightfully booked for a cynical foul on Oscar Schwartau. Turned the game around with a brilliant goal in the second half, hitting low and hard past the Norwich City shot-stopper. 8/10.
Ebou Adams
Went under the radar in the centre-of-the-park, however still played an important role in breaking up play. Put his body on the line many times and showed incredible effort and energy. 8/10.
Ben Osborn
Contributed to Norwich City fashioning a chance after being dispossessed in the centre-of-the-park. Did little of note and was substituted in the 70th minute. 6/10.
Kenzo Goudmijn
A slight drop off to previous home games where he was able to bag a goal. Was given few opportunities at goal, however expectedly ran his socks off in hunting down the Norwich City midfielders. 7/10.
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Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Looked to cause a threat from the off as he set up Jackson with an exquisite ball into the box. Gave the ball away in the build up to Sainz’s goal. Rightly hooked in the 70th minute. 5/10.
Kayden Jackson
Missed a massive opportunity early on to give his side an early lead. Done very little in the final third in the first half. 5/10.
Jerry Yates
Looked much improved in leading the line in the first half. Linked up exquisitely with the midfield. Was fairly non-existent in the second half and was unable to show signs of opening his account after receiving little service. 6/10.
Substitutes: Kane Wilson (6), James Collins (6), Marcus Harness (5), Tawanda Chirewa (5), Corey Blackett-Taylor (7)