POST-MATCH REACTION: Eustace and goalscorer Agyemang react to Southampton draw

Head Coach John Eustace and striker Patrick Agyemang have given their thoughts after a positive performance against Southampton sent Derby County into the second international break of the 2025/26 season with another Sky Bet Championship point on the board following a 1-1 draw.

Opponents Southampton took the lead after seven minutes of play at Pride Park Stadium through Adam Armstrong but Derby fought back and, after a flurry of chances came their way, Agyemang’s headed goal in the 40th minute levelled the scoring.

Agyemang, Andi Weimann and Kayden Jackson all came close to getting the winner in the second half, but an impeccable performance from Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy kept the scoreline even and saw the points shared.

Eustace gave his assessment of a 'composed' display to RamsTV following the clash.

On taking a positive point against Southampton…

I'm happy with the point. We wanted all three, of course, but that's going to come. I'm not worried about that so much.

I'm just really happy with the way we played today. We were really good with the ball, especially in the first half. To go a goal down so early from really poor defending was disappointing, but I think we got straight back on the horse.

The way we dominated that first half was really pleasing. We got into some great areas. We asked for a bit more composure in the final third today, and I thought we got that. The deliveries on the right-hand side were excellent in that first half. We created two or three really good chances that hopefully next time we can put away.

Whenever we've had any difficult moments, in terms of difficult halves or we go a goal down, we need to compose ourselves. It happened on Tuesday night against Charlton; I felt that we got into some fantastic areas, but then we weren't composed enough.

We went a goal down in that game and then there's a bit of tension, and quite rightly so and a bit of pressure for the boys. In the second half, they came out and played some really good football. We were very positive, and then today we continued it. The difference today, I felt, was that we were more composed in that final third for the whole of the 90 minutes.

Agyemang netted his first goal for the club against the Saints, after signing from Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC in July, and the striker also caught up with RamsTV after 'an amazing moment' scoring in front of the home crowd.

On scoring the equalising goal, and his first in Derby colours, in front of the Pride Park crowd…

I loved it. I have been waiting for this moment, and to do it at home is the best feeling, celebrating with everyone in the stands as well. It's been a blessing. Before the game, we talked about it (positioning in the box). Especially with my presence, I'm a tall guy, and I can jump as well. I just wanted to be somewhere up there. I saw the ball, I saw the flight, and I said: “That's my ball.” It was good to see it going in.