It’s coming, isn’t it!? Derby’s first victory must be around the corner now I can think of no better team to inflict it upon than Leeds next week.
Friday night the Rams demonstrated real promise. Despite taking a while to get into the game and once again going behind, Derby showed how to respond.
In the second-half there was a marked improvement as the team moved the ball around faster and forced Birmingham onto the back foot. Having said that, Birmingham also look to be a good, solid side and did threaten Derby.
To focus on a few points from the game, firstly I have to start with the quality of the match. Championship football at its best. There certainly was plenty for the pundits to talk about. When I watch international football and many Premiership games, I often yearn for the intensity and entertainment of the Championship.
Secondly Scott Carson has started his Rams career very well between the sticks. He has excellent distribution, can certainly make a save and has a good command of his area. I sense that back four have much more confidence as a result. The defence looks much more solid than the one that ended last season.
Thirdly Johnny Russell’s goal was pure class from the team as a whole. Starting all the way back with a superb challenge from George Thorne to Cyrus Christie and Tom Ince’s work in getting the ball to Russell, who had to make the run and find the finish. Great stuff!
The Rams should have won and could have won with the chances they created. Considering the very solid and organised opposition and being on away soil, plus the absence of a more attacking midfielder, realistically it was a very good point to earn.
Concerns are still lingering, however especially with the team needing to be more ruthless in front of goal and find more creativity in midfield.
Heavy possession is great when it stops the opponents from scoring but Rams fans have seen many times over the past couple of years that it doesn’t guarantee a win, many Championship sides can prepare and carry out a canny game plan to scupper Derby’s dominance on the ball.
Before the match Sky Sports seemed to create a picture of doom and gloom at the iPro. It seems to be part of a wider culture of demand for instant success from day one.
Yes, there are still issues, but it would be amazing if the squad managed to click after a hefty change to the playing list and a total overhaul of the coaching staff.
I feel confident come Saturday, there won’t be much doom and gloom when the Rams face Leeds, Derby are improving and fast finding their feet.
For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.
COYR!!