Derby County fell to their second defeat of the campaign at Watford, with the Rams unable to make the most of their early lead.
Ebou Adams caught the hosts cold as his strike from the edge of the box found the bottom corner just after the first minute.
Vakoun Bayo brought the Hornets level at the half-hour mark though, scoring a magnificent scissor kick effort beyond the outstretched hand of debutant Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
While Derby looked competitive and perhaps felt good value for a point in the match, Moussa Sissoko’s effort in the final 15 minutes gave Watford all three points.
It came as a disappointing blow to the Rams, given their back-to-back wins in the matches before, but one problem became evidently clear for Paul Warne that needs addressing.
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Paul Warne faces Nathaniel Mendez-Laing conundrum
One of the main challenges facing Warne is where he plays his captain, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
The forward has been a key player for Derby since he joined two years ago, with his robust dribbling style making it tough for defenders to deal with him.
His versatility has often been a bonus for the Rams, however it has been tough to find that balance in the Championship so far.
Summer signing Kayden Jackson struggled as a centre-forward in the opening match against Blackburn but has been the preferred option on the right.
With two goals and one assist in his three appearances since, it’s hard to argue against playing the former Ipswich Town star there.
However, that is also the preferred position for Mendez-Laing, who is often at his dangerous best when on the right flank.
The current club captain has played 164 matches as a right-winger in his career and being predominantly right-footed, can burst down the flank with ease.
When playing on the left, as he did against Watford, there is a desire to cut inside that has been snuffed out by defenders so far.
So it leaves the Derby County boss with a clear conundrum when it comes to the balance within his side and getting the most out of his best players.
Does he return his star man back to his favoured position in favour of a new player in form there or does he back his ability elsewhere and keep the current balance?
Derby need another forward option
On top of having those key players in the squad, it is also clear that some more firepower is required for Derby this summer.
With injuries impacting the side ahead of the Watford clash, a smaller bench was named and fewer options were available to help salvage at least one point.
Another signing, perhaps on loan, in the next week before the transfer deadline passes, may be able to help add even more balance to the squad.