Dwight Gayle has found the perfect start to life at Derby County as he starred once again in the clash with Bristol Rovers.
Derby County stars have flocked to social media to laud striker Dwight Gayle following the win over Bristol Rovers. The former Newcastle striker scored the all-important opener that led to the Rams putting three past the Gas.
Tom Barkhuizen and Martyn Waghorn got in on the act too, sealing another huge three points in the race for promotion. The victory has since seen Paul Warne’s side return to second in the league, with nine games remaining.
If they are to go on and land a return to the Championship, then they’ll need their key players to continue delivering.
Dwight Gayle praise
Gayle’s impact in the team is now starting to be felt, with two goals in his last two games adding that scoring touch they’ve missed. It was far from a pretty finish against Rovers, but a necessary touch nonetheless.
The striker threw himself at the ball to bundle it over the line and into the back of the net. It truly opened the floodgates for Derby in a memorable victory that could be worth a lot in the race for an automatic promotion spot.
Gayle took to Instagram afterwards, posting his celebration of the goal with the caption: “Big away performance from the boys.” Plenty of his new teammates flocked to the comments to praise his recent form.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing said: “It’s what he does,” while Martyn Waghorn simply said: “Gayle = Goals.” Loan star Ebou Adams added: “Things you love to see,” with Korey Smith also saying: “Bagsman.”
Gayle’s goals
The introduction of Dwight Gayle into the side could prove to be a key point in the season for Derby. Injuries at centre-forward have been problematic, but the signing of the experienced striker has brought two key goals while allowing others to play in their best positions.
With the return of Martyn Waghorn as well as the hopeful recovery of James Collins and Conor Washington in the coming weeks, the Rams could be stacked with firepower. It remains to be seen if it will get a promotion push over the line, but Gayle is certainly playing his part.