Player Ratings – Derby (H)

After a rather enthralling game against promotion-chasers Derby County, we look at the players’ performances in the 3-3 draw on Saturday.

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Vito Mannone – 6 – There wasn’t really a lot he could do about any of the goals and except picking the ball out of his net, he didn’t have that much to do. I won’t mark him down for distribution in the second half, as that’s how he has been asked to play by Stam.

Chris Gunter – 6 – A solid performance from the skipper, who coped reasonably well with Derby’s attacking threat and offered himself going forward when Aluko was often drifting inside.

Liam Moore – 7 – Along with Barrow and Kelly, our standout performer at the back. I know we were a mess defensively, but that counts as the entire team and often Ilori was the guilty party. He tried to rally the troops when he could.

Tiagi Ilori – 5 – A very poor day at the office for the defender, who was guilty for two of the goals. First one was a rather bizarre cleareance that caused mayhem and the third he was beaten way too easily by Lawrence. He is lucky that Elphick and McShane are sidelined currently on that showing, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.

Omar Richards – 6 – Another mature performance from the academy graduate, who is looking more comfortable game-by-game. Definitely looks the long-term option with Obita still injured, the only criticism being his quality when crossing from wide areas.

Leondro Bacuna – 6 – There were a few iffy passes, but he certainly looks much more comfortable in the middle of the park and gives us much more energy that JVB.

Pelle Clement – 5 – It was a rare start for the Dutchman, but failed to take his chance as he was fairly anonymous and when he did get on the ball, looked lightweight and took too much time on the ball.

Liam Kelly – 7 – This was the Liam Kelly we saw at the start of the season – confidence and quality. He was our best chance at breaking down the Derby defence and his goal was pure class. Hopefully he builds on this performance for the rest of the season. Very tenacious off the ball too.

Sone Aluko – 5 – It just really isn’t working out for the Fulham man at the moment, who looks devoid of any confidence and looks simply lost. His set piece deliveries were dreadful also.

Modou Barrow – 8 – Man of the Match – Not for the first time this season, he was our biggest threat. He had Baird on the ropes every time he ran at him and eventually got sent off because of his frustrations. Well-taken goal and created the third goal.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – 6 – A decent showing from the striker, who often was isolated and looked strong against a stubborn partnership in Davies and Keogh. Worked tirelessly and got a deserved goal for his efforts to take his tally for the season to eight.

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John Swift – 6 – Great to see Swifty back out there and getting some minutes under his belt, we’ve missed his creativity in the midfield. If him and Kelly can get fully fit and linking, they could do some damage.

Garath McCleary – 6 – Had a few glimpses of the old GMac down the right side. He will probably feel slightly aggrieved that he is on the bench considering Aluko’s current form.

Dave Edwards – N/A – Only came on for a few minutes, so didn’t have long to make an impact.