POST-MATCH REACTION: Eustace and Agyemang review Blackburn success

Head Coach John Eustace and goalscorer Patrick Agyemang gave their thoughts after Derby County secured a fifth successive Sky Bet Championship victory with a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Striker Carlton Morris continued his fine goalscoring form as he headed home his tenth league goal of the season to put the Rams ahead after 19 minutes.

USA international forward Patrick Agyemang doubled Derby’s lead before the break when he met Joe Ward’s pinpoint delivery into the box with a powerful header.

Yūki Ōhashi’s second-half penalty pulled one back for the hosts, but the Rams’ backline held firm to secure all three points on the road.

RamsTV spoke with Eustace after the final whistle at Ewood Park to get his verdict on the 90 minutes.

On the result and a battling performance…

I’m delighted with the victory. I thought in the first half we were really professional, we played really well and then in the second half there was nothing in the game really, the atmosphere was dead and, unfortunately, we gave them something to fight for. It was a poor decision from Dion Sanderson, although I didn’t think it was a penalty. The way the lads dug in during the second half was pleasing. We were below par with the ball, but we were our usual selves defending the box with our lives and being really hard to play against.

On another outstanding display from Carlton Morris…

He’s a top player, a fantastic role model for the boys and most importantly he’s a top, top person. As a human being he’s different class, we’re very fortunate he’s at the football club with us. We’ve spoke about his role on and off the pitch and he’s playing that fantastically well.

On what has pleased him most from his side’s superb reaction following the Oxford defeat last month to win five in a row…

I think it’s just the way they’re growing, building and sticking together. We had some really positive performances at the start of the season without getting our just rewards and the Oxford game was disappointing, of course it was, but throughout the course of the season we’ll get another few performances like that again, I’m sure. That’s the Championship; it’s relentless. It’s just important we all stick together and go through the highs and the lows together and we don’t get too worried about things. As long as we keep believing in the process that’s all I care about. The group’s getting stronger, we’re getting players back fit, available and we’re really in a good place at the moment.

RamsTV also caught up with Agyemang after the win to discuss his well-taken goal and an important three points heading into the international break.

On winning and scoring at Ewood Park to wrap up his 25th birthday celebrations…

That was a very tough game. It’s a physical battle and duals, and I think to be able to come out on top in a game like this is very difficult. It’s amazing. It shows how much the group has grown.

To score is great. I know how difficult this league is and it takes time to adapt to, but I think the guys are helping me be in successful positions. The service from Wardy is unbelievable, I’m just so thankful. It was a great birthday for me to have that goal.

On sharing the pitch with Carlton Morris…

It’s amazing to be able to play with him, he’s helped me a lot to gel here. When I first got here, I remember he said: ‘I’m going to make sure I do everything I can to help you succeed here’. He’s been helping me. You see him scoring, you see him working hard no matter what, it’s amazing.

Words: Ella Barber.