Lampard Praises Defence Following Bristol City Win

Manager Frank Lampard reserved special praise for his defence following Derby County's 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

Derby were dealt a blow early in the game as Jack Stamps Player of the Season Fikayo Tomori had to leave the field with a dead leg.

Midfielder George Evans replaced the Chelsea loanee at the heart of the defence and was composed and assured as he helped the Rams to all three points at Ashton Gate.

In an unnatural position for the 24-year-old but, Evans dealt with balls into the box and Lampard was keen to acknowledge his performance in his post-match interview.

“George was fantastic and I’m delighted for him as a lad because it’s not easy,” the manager told RamsTV. “I know that feeling of not playing much but this is what I want here.

“We have a squad and over the course of the season, we need to use it and for players to have the right attitude, train in the right way, support in the dressing room and then come on and play in what might not be his first position but he was incredible and man of the match for me, without a doubt.

“It’s not easy to come into a game like this with this magnitude and speed and power, they put us under pressure in or box, and George was a calm head and I’m pleased for him.”

It was a good afternoon for the defence as Jayden Bogle netted the second goal of the game, whilst at the other end, Kelle Roos was instrumental in keeping the ball out of the Rams' net.

The Dutchman was tested on several occasions but dealt with the danger comfortably and recorded his second clean sheet in as many games.

“It was really good defending and Kelle Roos was great,” Lampard said. “His handling in the game, there were so many shots that were bouncing in front of him.

“Sometimes with clean sheets you can say it was a team effort, yes it was a team effort, but Kelle deserves individual praise for today.”

On Tomori, the manager gave an update on his injury after the final whistle.

“It’s a strong dead leg so hopefully we can get some intense treatment and get him back into the game,” he commented.