POST-MATCH REACTION: Eustace and Zetterstrom react to Norwich win

Head Coach John Eustace and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom gave their post-match thoughts after Derby County secured their first home win of the 2025/26 season with an ‘excellent second half performance' in their 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Pride Park Stadium.

The win over the Canaries saw the Rams pick up three points and extend their run of form to just one defeat in their last five matches.

With a win under their belts, after three 1-1 draws prior to last weekend’s 1-0 loss at Oxford United, Derby will be looking to build on this foundation as they look ahead to playing Queens Park Rangers on home turf on Saturday afternoon.

After a goalless first half against Norwich, Derby made changes at the break and grew into the game, posing a significant threat going forward in the second half.

Midfielder David Ozoh was the one to take advantage of the Rams’ attacking intent, netting a superb curling strike in the 55th minute to seal the victory.

Eustace spoke to RamsTV and admitted tactical changes at half-time allowed his side to take the game to Norwich in the second period.

On getting the win against Norwich…

I'm very proud of the effort of the lads. The first half was difficult. We said we'd have to suffer at times tonight against a really good footballing team. In the first half, our shape wasn't quite right. In the second half, I thought we were excellent. That little tweak we made at half-time was perfect. We dominated them and had two or three great chances, and that was really pleasing.

On the tactical switch at half-time…

We're trying to get as many attacking players on the pitch as we can. We've got some really good players up there. Against a really good footballing team in Norwich, it was always going to be a big ask to get them to do the work without the ball in a certain way. I think we struggled at that, but the way we defended the box was excellent. The back four defended the box really well again, which we do most of the time.

In the second half, the change certainly made a difference. Bringing Sondre Langas on, he was excellent. Dion Sanderson and Matt Clarke, too - all three of them at the back were great.

It just allowed us to put a bit more pressure on them, further up the pitch and be more aggressive with their forward players. The second half was really pleasing. There is still lots of hard work ahead, of course, and there’s another massive game now on Saturday.

Shot-stopper Zetterström also spoke with RamsTV and outlined the victory as a crucial step for Derby as they look to push on in the Championship.

On the feeling after getting three points…

It was very important to get that first win at home. We've been waiting for it, and the fans have been waiting for it. We are very happy with the win.

We came into the second half with a completely different energy. Sometimes you're not at your best for the first half, and that's why it's so important to recharge at half-time and come out with that extra bit of energy.

Looking forward to going again on Saturday…

In this league, with games coming in a few days, you have to quickly refocus. Tonight, we are very happy. Tomorrow, we rest and then we go again for the next game, where there’s still plenty to work on.