Wayne Rooney was delighted with the way his Derby County side fought back from two goals down to earn a valuable point against promotion-chasing Brentford on Tuesday night.
Ivan Toney’s early penalty and a strike from Sergi Canos midway through the opening 45 minutes had Derby two goals behind under the Pride Park Stadium floodlights.
Rooney rang the changes at half-time with a triple substitution and a change of formation and it had the desired effect as Derby dominated in the second half.
One of Lee Gregory’s first touches after coming off the bench at the break saw him slot home from close range to pull a goal back from Nathan Byrne’s inviting low cross.
Derby continued to ask questions of the Bees throughout the half and another half-time substitute, Louie Sibley, equalised with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box late on.
Rooney was understandably delighted with his side’s comeback but he was also equally frustrated Derby’s below-par first half showing.
Speaking to RamsTV shortly after the final whistle, Rooney said: “It was a game of two halves.
“The first half just wasn’t good enough and everything that we didn’t want to do, we did. I just felt it was the wrong kind of performance from us and we knew we had to do something at half time.
“I made the three changes because I felt we could get players closer to Colin Kazim-Richards, but also cause them a problem with the change of shape.
“I thought we were outstanding in the second half. If the game went on another five minutes we possibly could have gone and won it.”
He added: “For the lads to show that character, it is very difficult to go out at 2-0 down, is great.
“I stressed to the players at half-time that I would rather lose 3-0 or 4-0 than not have a go and try and get something out of the game. The lads were excellent and fully deserved the point.”
Derby boast an impressive record against the division’s top sides this term.
They have defeated Norwich City, Swansea City and Bournemouth, as well as holding Brentford to a draw twice and picking up a point at in-form Barnsley last week.
Rooney says his players must realise the ability and potential they have as a group.
“The players need to realise that when we play like that, we are difficult for anyone to beat and we can win a lot of games,” Rooney said.
“We have to do it over 90 minutes, we can’t pick and choose and have performances like we did the first half. If we do that, we will not win games.
“I think the second half performance was very good. Brentford were on the back foot; they did not know how to deal with the way we were going forward and the way we were pressing.”
He added: “That is a big result for us in terms of how it came about. It was about showing that character to get back into the game, showing the fight and the belief to get something. It is a very good point.”
Rooney was happy to see youngster Sibley net his first goal of the season to earn Derby a point.
The Academy graduate enjoyed a fine breakthrough season in 2019/20, but he has found opportunities limited in recent months.
Rooney feels there is more to come from the 19-year-old and recently stated the attacking midfielder needs to do more when he has the chance to impress.
“I have spoken to Louie and what I said about him wasn’t criticism, it was about me saying I believe he can do more,” Rooney explained.
“I am saying these things for a reason. Firstly, it is to get a reaction, but also because I know there is more in there. I know he can perform better, and it was good for him to come into my office and sit down and have a discussion.
“I feel it has freed him up a bit and I think you could see that in his performance tonight, not just his goal. He was more positive; he was running at players and got a great goal.
“For any young player you have to go and play with freedom. Louie Sibley playing with that freedom, playing with no fear; he is a very good player.”
Derby’s next Championship fixture will see them head cross the A50 to take on Stoke City on Saturday in their final match before the March international break (3pm kick-off).
