Paul Warne must ruthlessly axe one of his Derby County players from the starting XI who struggled in the defeat to Sunderland.
Derby experienced a familiar sinking feeling on the road, as the Rams’ 2-0 defeat to Sunderland extended their winless run away from Pride Park to four matches.
Coming away with three points from the Stadium of Light was always going to be tough, especially since the Black Cats boasted a 100% home record and were second in the table.
Sunderland have since moved into first after a Jobe Bellingham wonder strike and Wilson Isidor’s calm finish secured them three points, with Derby remaining in 13th position in the Championship.
Paul Warne was critical of Derby’s quality in possession as they failed to create any clearcut chances, with only Kenzo Goudmijn warranting praise on a difficult night.
Whilst the Dutch midfielder earned his flowers, there was one player who was off the pace completely and is now at risk of being dropped.
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Tawanda Chirewa should be axed after ‘careless’ display vs Sunderland
Attacking midfielder Tawanda Chirewa made his first start for Derby since completing a season long loan move from Wolves.
Chirewa impressed enough in his cameo from the bench against Norwich City to warrant a start at the Stadium of Light but the 20-year-old failed to take his chance
The Derby loanee was at fault for Sunderland’s first goal, as he blindly passed the ball to Bellingham, who cannoned his strike past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Starting as a left winger in this match, Chirewa’s display was pretty anonymous, making just 18 touches in 65 minutes of action while completing just seven passes and firing no efforts on goal.
As a result, writer Leigh Curtis dubbed the youngsters’ display as ‘careless’ and awarded him a 4.5/10 match rating for the Derby Telegraph.
Curtis wrote: “Worked hard in the press, but was careless in giving the ball away for the first goal and there were aspects of his game that need sharpening up. Did have a shot saved by Anthony Patterson.”
After failing to make a positive impact, Chirewa should be dropped for the visit of QPR on Saturday and replaced by one of Warne’s explosive talents.
- READ MORE: Paul Warne played ‘terrific’ 55-touch Derby County star in the completely wrong role vs Sunderland
Corey Blackett-Taylor deserves to start vs QPR
Corey Blackett-Taylor’s time at Derby has been difficult since arriving from Charlton Athletic in January, with the 27-year-old struggling because of injuries resulting in poor form.
The Englishman is yet to start in the league this term but Blackett-Taylor scored from the bench against Norwich City and made an instant impression in a 24-minute cameo at Sunderland.
The jet-heeled winger was perhaps unfortunate not to start their trip to the North East, though following his recent form as a substitute, he deserves to showcase his talent from the start.
Blackett-Taylor would add some much-needed pace and direct dribbling to the Rams’ attack as they aim to win for the first time in four matches.