Derby County v Preston NE - Match Thread

Not at all Backo, I judge a player by their performance and Vydra's wasn't all that good. Amazing how scoring a penalty can cover up a lot of faults.

So to the intelligent football eye he was a massive influence. Did you not see him twice set up attacks for Preston or is your eye not that intelligent.

Did you think Preston were anything other than a bunch of journeymen? Actually I like their number 11 Johnson. Their number 9 Hugill was tad physical. Gave keogh a thorough workout.

We were so much better last night, far more movement up front, more dynamic and inventive.

Nugent changes the feel of up top - he moves in and out of space, challenges for the ball all over, interacts with vydra and weimann to make us far less predictable, and gets himself into dangerous positions. He could have had a couple, should have had at least one. He makes us so much more of a threat compared to when Martin is in. I thought again Martin offered nothing when he came on, he doesn't do enough for those around him until he's had exactly the service he wants - he's far too one dimensional and the rigid setup that follows makes us predictable and easy to nullify. He can go for me should we get an offer for him.

Weimann was superb tonight, after being one of the few to come out of Saturday with any credit. His desire, workrate, creativity, awareness and tenacity put the rest to shame. He got himself into some great positions, was an excellent outlet and again the movement and interplay with Nugent and vydra caused the opposition problems. He should have had a goal or two too, and in that I'm not counting the early open goal situation, which was more difficult than it looked . Man of the match for me.

Vydra was alright, I think he needs a run in the side and his style of play works with those around him last night. He tried a few overly ambitious passes that caused us problems but generally was a positive and I think needs to be given the opportunity to get better.

Russell was better than on Saturday but will be getting immediately dropped for Lawrence I hope. Had a couple of shots but he can't half muck up an attacking move with his headless chicken running into a dead end or simply another player head first.

Much better from the front four tonight, and I hope Rowett sticks with this system and personnel going forwards. 4-3-3 is dead.

Lastly, the referee was appalling. Has he moved up a level or something and can't hack it because I'm nite generally critical of them as it's far harder than they get credit for but dear me he should stick to his day job.

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I am surprised you think Weimann came out with credit on Saturday, Fridge. I was amazed that Russell and Weimann kept their places. Last night Weimann went to Olsson's assistance when he had the ball. On Saturday he ran away from Forsyth, so Forsyth could only play the long ball when attacking or was isolated when defending. I presume Rowett had a word with him about supporting his wide defenders.

The referee and the assistant on the East stand side were appalling. Decisions took on a random nature and the players never knew which way a decision would go. Schrodinger refereeing.

I am starting to wonder what the actual point of a linesman is these days, most at this level don't even raise their flag until the referee has made a decision. Always seems to be the east stand one that is dodgy too.

Spart, I felt he was the only one putting any effort in, and making any discernible impact (first half mainly) on Saturday.

Russell, despite the fact I don't believe he's good enough, continues to retain his place by getting away with doing just enough to give GR an excuse not to drop him - the 'assist' at sunderland, at wolves he was no worse than the other 10, and yesterday he had a couple of shots, only one half useful. he can't make the right decision, he runs with his head down and shows no awareness, and lacks quality in the final third, so I would have played Bennett personally. Lawrence should replace him immediately.

The defensive aspect of AW's game was improved last night, and he and Olsson worked well together. So far I'd say he's shown the most of any player over the three games played

Certain players have the ability to form good understandings with colleagues on the pitch, despite other possible shortcomings. I suspect both our reserve fullbacks (Olsson & Baird) have this quality. The wide players seem to play better with them behind them

comment by Backo (U1486)
posted 9 hours, 55 minutes ago
You would think Vydra was rubbish because you dont like him, simples. But to the intelligent football eye he was a massive infleunce on us. The opposition of journeymen beat Sheff Weds and drew away at Leeds with 10 men.
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Agree about Vydra, thought he had a good game last night, not fantastic but the football we play is so much more fluid and imaginative when he is available. It was seen in GR's first few games when he tried the 4-2-3-1. After getting torn apart in the first half by Fulham (despite being 2-1 up!) GR lost his nerve and brought Butterfield on for a 4-3-3. It worked in that second half but our performances suffered after that.

Where I disagree Backo is you saying Wolves weren't all that. Are there any sides in this division you do rate? For me I can't immediately remember any better teams to come to PP in the league in recent years. They may well fade of course but at the moment they have premier league quality written all over them.

Wolves have gambled, lots of signings thrown together with a foreign coach and it has worked, so far, very much like Watford a couple of years ago.

Villa have spent big in the last year and have gone the opposite way, you just never know in this division.

Chris. I think Saturday it was more down to us being poor and very static than Wolves being very good. They were good but top drawer? No i dont think so. I thought Fulham were the best side i saw down here last season. Will the Wolves foreign lot like the cold and rain when it comes?

Well, as I say they may fade but at the moment they seem the complete package.
A lot of people raved about Fulham and they were cetainly the best footballing side last season but all round ability? They scraped in to the play-offs in sixth place and we could have actually had more than the 4 we did score against them at PP.