Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to praise Chris Martin’s involvement during his side’s slender 1-0 win over Championship opponents Wigan Athletic.
Derby edged the Latics thanks to a last-minute strike from Graeme Shinnie.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/ MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
In truth, it was a wretched game of football often devoid of quality. However, Shinnie’s stunning strike was worthy enough to win any game and it came at the best time possible.
Martin was instrumental in the goal, providing a deft layoff reminiscent of his best days at Pride Park. Some Derby fans feel that sort of involvement makes him so important.
We need to start Chris Martin and build a team around him. End of. #dcfc
— Luke. (@_LG2791) October 23, 2019
Last minute winners never paper over cracks that big in a woeful performance, especially first half. But the one shining light was Chris Martin”s hold up play: measured, precise, connected, intelligent. #dcfc
— The Furn (@SportMonkey) October 23, 2019
How Waghorn starts above Martin as the target man for us is beyond me #dcfc
— Matthew Bailey (@Bayas_23) October 23, 2019
That def touch from Martin to put it on a plate for shinnie 👀💣
— mickymoo dcfc (@michaelbates8) October 24, 2019
A great knock down from Martin to Shinnie for the goal. He certainly changed things when he came on. A better performance 2nd half from #dcfc not perfect but a bit more energy. As much as we moan about Roos he kept us in the game
— Adrian Mannion (@ademannion) October 23, 2019
Chris Martin made such a difference tonight. What a man #dcfc
— Gemma Kelly (@GemKelly) October 23, 2019
He’s not going to get us twenty goals this season but Chris Martin holds the ball up, finds a white shirt and brings midfielders and wing backs into the game. Looked a better side with him and his assist for Shinnie’s goal was class #dcfc #cmartin
— Martin Orgill (@MartinOrg_Derby) October 23, 2019
Beilik and shinnie got in each other’s way all night, Holmes needs to add that bit of quality. Chris Martin brilliant. Something has to change though. Wasn’t good enough #dcfc #dcfcfans
— DCFCtalk (@Dcfctalk2) October 23, 2019
Martin has had to work hard to get back into the Derby team.
After topping the scoring charts for three straight seasons, he was unfairly cast aside in 2016-17 by Nigel Pearson and then struggled to get back in.
Subsequent managers Gary Rowett and Frank Lampard didn’t fancy him. And Martin’s form during loan spells at Reading and Hull City left a lot to be desired.
But under Phillip Cocu, he has proven his worth. Goals against Leeds United, Birmingham City and Barnsley means he has the best goals-per-game ratio at the club.
Martin, however, is far more than just goals. He is technically very good with the ball at his feet, providing deft flicks and one-touch passing which brings teammates into play.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images).
Cocu has a difficult job getting Martyn Waghorn, Jack Marriott and Martin into the same starting XI. But on current form, the latter should be the number one choice.
Also see: ‘Deserve it bro’: Roos reacts on Instagram as ex-Derby man nets in League One rout
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