Morley's Match Musings: Rotation Was The Word
Thursday, 31st Dec 2015 13:51 by Nathan Morley

Rotation was the pre-match word after Paul Clement announced his team. If there’s any period of the season to use the big squad he has, it really has to be now.

Some may criticise leaving Martin and Thorne out because Derby didn’t win and then if they did play and Derby won all three points maybe it would be suggested that they should’ve been rested.

The Rams played some good football for spells, particularly the first half. Maybe it would have been enough but Leeds are on a bit of a run and came back into the game with good spirit and fight.

Ultimately it was a fair result, both sides could have won and it could have ended differently on another occasion quite easily.

Noticeably a certain Mr Thorne was absent in pulling the strings in the midfield, however Butterfield (turning out to be a very tidy player) and Hendrick (great goal) both had good games.

Johnson covered as the deeper one of the midfield three, it isn’t his best position and he hasn’t had his best run recently, although I think Johnson is hard to drop as he is such a midfield powerhouse and has been pivotal in Derby becoming a more physical side.

The other big change came up front, Bent came in and isn’t suited to the Derby 4-3-3 way as we now know — Martin came on from the bench and had a greater impact.

Ince was also left out. His spark and goal after coming on proved why he is such a good player at this level, it’s five goals in four games for him now. Russell had a good game, whereas Weimann struggled to get into the game.

Shackell’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious, which is a relief. I think he has been the player of the season so far and his cool head at the back was missed. Ryan Shotton came on in his place and you can only but ask; who’s Alex Pearce?

Both goals were poor to concede. It doesn’t need saying that Grant made an error or two and it just makes it even clearer that Carson is the absolute business, has a good command of his area with the shot stopping ability to match.

Both Shacks and Carson are pivotal, that’s one thing to take away from the match.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad point all things considered. Conceding two goals is very disappointing. Fighting back to get the equaliser was pleasing.

Derby didn’t come across as a top two side but got a point — isn’t that what automatic promotion sides do?

It’s Middlesbrough on Saturday and I can’t say I’m filled with confidence… I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I would be very content with a point.

Fingers (and toes) crossed that Shackell is fit!

Up the Rams!

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.