Derby County v Bristol Rovers: Player Ratings

[Ellafella]

1Wildsmith 7.5: That 5mm of glove material that Joe got on that goal-bound shot on 44 minutes to deflect it onto the right-hand upright was as significant in terms of the result as NML's surging drive into the back of the net on 90 minutes. Fine margins indeed.   

24Nyambe 6.5: Solid, firm and forceful. let's hope he likes the Derbyshire countryside & chooses to stay around come the New Year. 

35Nelson 7.5: An outstanding presence, but defence must take a collective -0.5 for allowing what we all predicted pre-match.  

6Cashin 7.5: Blocked, headed tackled. Always an offensive threat at corners with his rabbit-like spring but must learn to time it so his headers are not gentle lobs to their keeper.

17Sibley 6.5: Solid in defence albeit beaten on a couple of occasions. Switched position and arguably should have finished off the 1v1. Needs a run of games as any player does.   

4Hourihane 6.5: A couple of lovely balls into the box from corners but we need more defence-splitting passes as an option 2 rather than constant balls outside to the wings.

7Barkhuizen 5.5: His cut inside and sideways running is becoming habitual. Needs to re-set his own game-plan. 

2Wilson 6.5: Should've been introduced sooner; showed his obvious threat quickly and helped to unsettle Gas defenders.

12Smith 5.5: Too frequently bossed off the ball I'm afraid & provides insufficient amends elsewhere. 

22Fornah 7.5 Power, big appetite and great assist for the winner. If Rams are to continue upwards trajectory Fornah has to start. No question. 

8Bird 7.0 The CPU of the Team; some delightful and often subtle contributions that go unnoticed. Central to our fortunes. 

5Bradley 6.0 Some sky-scraper hoofs late on to kill off the resistance. 

11Méndez-Laing 8.5 MoTM Burned the Gas defence off with pace and power when pushed further forward 2nd half. NML is the new McDick and his fitness and wellbeing is crucial to Ram's season. 

9Collins 6.0 Huffed and Puffed in vain.

10Waghorn 6.0 Late legs to see it out.

 

This game will always be in my memory for B4 who epitomised and personified what supporting a football team means. May his memory and example live on in perpetuity.  "Always remember this our club".  

Edited November 27, 2023 by Ellafella

[Crewton]

1Wildsmith   7  No chance with the goal, handled well from corners and crosses.

24Nyambe    7  As per

35Nelson     8 Ditto

6Cashin    8 Back to his best form?

17Sibley  6.5  Understandably took time to settle at LB, but had an influential second half in each position.

4Hourihane  5.5  A little better second half, but distribution was too pedestrian before that.

7Barkhuizen  5.5  Struggled to make an impact.

2Wilson  7  Another influential cameo off the bench. Pushing for a start on the right at Vale.

12Smith  5.5  Too deep. too lethargic first half, got further forward and improved SH before injury.

22Fornah  7  Moved us to another level. Like Wilson, is due a start.

8Bird   7.5  Another good performance from Max. Becoming Mr Consistency.

5Bradley   6  No glitches for me.

11Méndez-Laing    8  Put the burners on in the second half and took the Rovers defence apart.

9Collins  6  The effort was there, but again struggled to make an impact.

10Waghorn  6  Good cameo. His game management helped us see it through in added time.