Derby County player ratings v Burnley as Clarke and Adams excel to earn key result
Derby County collected, and earned, another point on their bid to remain in the Championship on Tuesday night when they held promotion chasing Burnley to a goalless draw at Pride Park. The Clarets, in their top two hunt, only asked one question of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom the whole game, while the Rams might even have nicked it in stoppage time.
Derby had to weather early pressure. Burnley, top of the league before kick off, began with the confidence of a side unbeaten in 27 matches. That said, they didn’t ask too many questions of Derby’s resolute defence until Zian Flemming forced Zetterstrom into an impressive reflex save when he turned the ball powerfully towards goal following a cross from the left.
The final ten minutes before half time, though, were all Derby. Their physical and aerial superiority led to a string of corners from which Marcus Harness asked questions and presented attackable balls for the Rams’ towering XI. Nat Phillips and Craig Forsyth both won first contacts and worried the Clarets momentarily.
The hosts’ best opportunity was slickly fashioned. Ebou Adams won the ball in midfield to turn possession over and Forsyth collected it before floating a delivery to the far post where Harness was waiting. The attacker cushioned his header into the path of partner Jerry Yates, who was denied by England international James Trafford to leave home fans with hands on their heads.
The only real moment of concern for the Rams in the first half, aside from Flemming’s shot, was prompted by Derby themselves when Zetterstrom and Phillips miscommunicated and Flemming nipped in, hooking the ball over the keeper but wide of the post. The inquest was instant but short-lived.
Burnley began the second half as they started the first, in the ascendancy when they were allowed to. Truth was, though, they weren’t particularly permitted by this stubborn Derby outfit who have newfound stickability and determination under the fresh regime. Flemming did fire one shot wide of Zetterstrom’s post but, otherwise, the promotion chasers were frustrated.
Indeed Derby could and should have won it at the death. As eight minutes of added time were confirmed, substitute Kayden Jackson’s cross from the right hand side was met by Matt Clarke at an awkward angle and he couldn’t direct his header on target despite being only a yard or two out.
Still, this was a welcome result and point to add to the tally and all roads now lead to fellow promoted side Portsmouth on Saturday – and another opportunity to put points on the board and haul themselves further away from the bottom three.
Derby County player ratings
Zetterstrom 7
Made one excellent save to deny Flemming in the first half, when many were expecting the net to ripple. One moment of nerve-racking confusion with Phillips almost led to a Burnley goal but Flemming hooked wide. What a pass to Forsyth second half, by the way.
Wilson 7
His turn of foot, endurance levels and dribbling skills were all on display over on the far side in the first half. Often got himself into dangerous positions with the ball at his feet but the final ball lacked sometimes. Moved inside for the closing stages.
Longas 6
Was left for dead at one stage by the rampant Jaiden Anthony and took one for the team when tripping up Pires and receiving a yellow card in the first half. Began the second half better but was eventually forced off with injury.
Phillips 7
Aerial prowess caused as many problems for Burnley in their own penalty area from dead balls in the first half. Did have that moment of confusion with Zetterstrom but this was an otherwise organised and no-nonsense display.
Clarke 8*
A towering presence on the left side of the back three, where he has shuffled over to in the last couple of games because of Elder’s absence. Flemming is a very decent forward at this level but Clarke had the measure of him for the most part. Deserved to win it at the end.
Forsyth 7
Playing further wide required him to both bring energy and a presence further upfield as well as directly deal with the tricky and pacy Marcus Edwards. Headed wide early on and played a brilliant hand in the chance created for Yates first half. Got the better of Edwards who was eventually subbed off.
Adams 8
He won’t come up against too many better midfields than this, but he faced the challenge head on. Used his body brilliantly in the 50-50s to make sure he won the ball – and that included in the build up to Yates’ chance. Epitomised by his one-man press which took him right across the Burnley defence.
Armstrong 7
More of a physical presence in the midfield who could get on the ball and find composure during those periods when the ball was being hooked here and there by both sides. Got through plenty of work alongside Thompson against quality opponents.
Thompson 7
The diminutive midfielder didn’t shirk the test. He was neat and tidy in possession, offering decent protection from a deeper position to his centre half trio. Nothing flashy but very disciplined.
Harness 6
Without Elder, Harness’ set pieces took on greater importance and they certainly posed questions of Burnley’s stubborn back-line when he delivered a string of corners in the closing stages of the first half. Wonderful cushion for Yates, who couldn’t finish. Hardworking but little of note for himself in attack.
Yates 6
Back in the starting XI immediately having been ineligible to play on Saturday. Plenty of hard work off the ball early on. Was denied when presented with a significant first half chance by keeper James Trafford.
Substitutes
Mendez-Laing (for Harness 69) 6
Fresh legs in the closing stages but Mendez-Laing’s remit ended up being around working off the ball as Burnley came on strong in hte closing stages in the hunt for an opening goal. Committed.
Jackson (for Langas 78)
Goudmijn (for Thompson 87)
Substitutes not used: Vickers, Pieters, Rooney, Wheeldon, Hendrick, Barkhuizen
Burnley: Trafford; Roberts, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Pires; Brownhill, Laurent (Foster 68 (Hannibal 74)), Cullen, Anthony, Edwards (Barnes 84); Flemming
Substitutes not used: Hladky, Sonne, Worrall, Sarmiento, Redmond, Koleosho
GOALS
Derby – ; Burnley –
The ref: Robert Madley
Attendance: 27,584
Up next: Portsmouth (A) – Saturday 12 April, 3pm kick off
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