Manager Frank Lampard wants his side to hit the ground running tomorrow afternoon as he takes his side to the Riverside to take on second-placed Middlesbrough.
In the previous two games, the Rams have started quickly out of the blocks. Craig Bryson gave Lampard’s side the lead after 19 seconds, whilst on Wednesday night, Jack Marriott capitalised on a poor back-pass 10 minutes into the game.
It’s a testament to the way the manager wants to play and he feels that the recent good starts have been coming.
“I think certain performances have warranted us to take the lead early and we haven’t,” he told RamsTV. “We have either gone behind and found it hard to come back but it helps with the mindset and confidence. We have worked hard to start games bright.
“We did against Sheffield United, I’m not sure we did at West Brom but sometimes if you do the right things and have the right mindset then you get a bit of luck or something happens and Jack Marriott has been clinical with the way he latched on to a mistake.
“It’s important to have game management at certain times. We have given ourselves problems at times but when you get in front, it’s important you see it through and we did that well at West Brom.”
Marriott’s goal on Wednesday night was his third in as many games and he continues to earn the plaudits amongst fans, pundits and his manager.
“Jack looks lean, fresh, fit and bright,” said Lampard. “When you are playing well, you have confidence. He is scoring goals and tucked his goal on Wednesday night nicely. It was a classy finish. It looks simple but very good.
“Jack’s all-round game has been excellent. I gave him a rest on Wednesday due to the scoreline. His work ethic off the ball is good and he’s clearly been watching Nugent since he’s been here because he’s always given us that and Jack has seen that.”
