3/1 To Win
Manager Phillip Cocu praised his entire squad following Derby County’s first win of the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship campaign in a 1-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.
Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game with three minutes remaining to seal Derby’s first three points of the new season.
It was, however, the endeavour of the squad which impressed Cocu, who made five changes to his starting squad following last weekend’s 4--0 home defeat against Blackburn Rovers.
Jason Knight was impressive in central midfield whilst experienced defender Curtis Davies, who made his first start of the season in the game, was named as the Sky Sports’ man-of-the-match.
The Rams got a stroke of luck, too, on their way to victory.
After George Evans was adjudged to have handled in the penalty box early in the second half, Norwich striker Teemu Pukki slipped whilst taking the spot kick and saw it hit the crossbar and go over.
David Marshall also stepped up with some huge saves when needed, denying Max Aarons from close range and late on he palmed Jordan Hugill’s header wide.
Cocu could not have been more delighted at the final whistle.
“It is a massive win,” he admitted, speaking to RamsTV. “We all knew that eyes were on us today, but we also knew we would face a team with a lot of quality.
“Norwich can dominate the game and combine well so we had to step up on the defensive part, especially after the first three games. We focused on it and we spoke quite a bit and about the work-rate and attitude we can show. This is a great example.
“If you do it, maybe you deserve the luck that comes your way. The penalty was given, maybe from our angle it was doubtful, but maybe it is a penalty and they missed it.
"We talked about staying in the game, being solid and willing to do the work for each other.
“We came close on a few occasions, not through open opportunities, but close. A set piece can decide a game and when the free-kick was given, we knew this would be the moment to get the goal from Wayne Rooney.
“It is easier said than done; our captain knew that it was a big moment and he still delivers for us. That is why he is a high quality player. We are pleased with the team-work and, of course, the win.
“To get the win in the last couple of minutes, all players still had to keep that desire with the clearances from the back, the saves from David Marshall. You have to perform as a team. I am extremely pleased with how we played today.”
There were a lot of key moments in the game.
After the penalty miss, Marshall had to be alert to make some crucial stops, whilst the defence stood firm to ensure a first league clean sheet of the campaign.
Cocu was pleased with how his side defended thorughout.
“David made some great saves and that is why it is an important part of our team,” Cocu said. “We knew he was a quality goalkeeper. He is vocal which is important in the dressing room with his experience, but he is an excellent goalkeeper and I am pleased for him that he can be important.
“It hasn’t been easy in the first couple of games, when he conceded a few goals without making a mistake. Due to his experience he can step up and he was as important as Wayne Rooney to give us the win.
"For Curtis Davies, it’s the same. He was called upon to play a little bit different. He is a quality player, but also vocal and strong at organising, keeping the team together and pushing the team up where we needed. That is what we like to see.
“I don’t like to talk too much about individuals, but while we talk about them, I would also like to talk about Jason Knight because his game was really extraordinary for me today. He was excellent."
