3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu was an understandably delighted to see Derby County get 2020 off to a flying start with a 2-1 home victory over Barnsley.
Striker Jack Marriott poked home debutant Wayne Rooney's excellent free-kick delivery just before half-time to put the Rams ahead.
However, Barnsley levelled soon after the break when Elliot Simoes tapped in from close range after goalkeeper Ben Hamer had saved Conor Chaplin's shot.
Martyn Waghorn restored Derby's lead soon afterwards when he fired home Andre Wisdom's low cross, following a fine pass from Rooney, and Cocu’s held on for victory despite some late Barnsley pressure.
Victory over the Reds ensured the Rams recorded back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship for the first time this season, as well as extending their unbeaten run to three games.
Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Cocu said: “I am extremely happy with the win because it is a very good result for us and we’ve now got back-to-back wins.
“We did it and the way we did it in the last game, with ten men against Charlton, and we put in a lot of effort and you could see it today.
“We knew it would be difficult but we played a great game, especially at the start. We had to score a one or two goals and then it would have been, possibly, an easier game.
“In many occasions this season we have really had to fight for our win; the players did it again.”
He added: “The Academy was represented on the pitch with a lot of players. Max Lowe, Max Bird and Jason Knight all started and Morgan Whittaker came on so that was a very positive thing.”
Cocu was also keen to praise the mentality and spirit within the Derby dressing room.
He believes his side are showing a positive reaction to setbacks in games and a positive festive period has seen them pick up seven points from a possible nine.
He said;: “When we get a set-back, like when they equalised, I want to see a reaction.
“It is something we have focused on as a team, not only when we are training on the pitch, but we have talked about it.
“Like we did at Wigan on Boxing Day and now again, no one put their heads down, we stepped up and gave a reaction.
“At the end of the game, Barnsley had a bit more possession but didn’t really create any danger in front of our goal.
“I was happy with the organisation. It was a good result and I think the defence are also pleased with their mentality and the spirit the team puts on the grass at the moment.”
Rooney’s debut saw the 34-year-old former England and Manchester United star complete the full 90 minutes.
He also wore the captain’s armband, a role he will take up permanently, and Cocu was impressed with his display.
“We could see Wayne Rooney was already important today with his delivery,” he said.
“Jack Marriott got the first from his free-kick then Martyn Waghorn got the second, which came from Wayne’s cross-pass to Andre Wisdom.”
He added: “Wayne did very well too. He played the full game and he made a positive contribution to the team.”
