It is reassuring to take the positives, but it is not too early to judge.

Billy Davies is dead right when he states that Derby County have a gap to bridge if they are to compete at Premier League level and we need a lot more quality going forward if we are to avoid relegation.

It is unusual, as a fan, to be looking at a relegation fight from two games into the season, but this is the reality of our position. Points gained on the road this year will be as gold-dust and one here at the City of Manchester Stadium was certainly not beyond an honest and hardworking Derby side, until Michael Johnson's moment of magic proved to be the difference between the two teams.

A second goal would have finished it for City, who played at a slow tempo, looking to control the game by retaining possession. To their credit, Derby refused to allow City to settle on the ball, knowing that the skilful Elano could not be allowed to dictate matters.

It could have been different, had Stephen Pearson scored when released by Matt Oakley's deftly lobbed through-ball, but a combination of Kasper Schmeichel's swiftness off his line and Micah Richards' blatant push in the back conspired to prevent the Scotland midfielder from getting his shot off. At 0-0 and with the game finely poised, it proved to be a crucial moment.

For all their neat approach work, City hadn't sliced Derby open, until just before half time. Johnson's slaloming run and interchange of passes with Elano allowed him a sight of goal. A superb shot with the outside of the left boot curled away from Bywater and into his top corner. Derby were hurt. The cutting edge had drawn blood and for all their endeavour, one wondered whether the Rams would be able to hit back.

Pearson and Mears both launched determined runs at the heart of City's defence, but not from positions where one would have expected them to hurt the Blues. Earnshaw was introduced in place of Fagan (whose endeavour and directness were encouraging), but the little Wales striker made no impression at all in his twenty-minute stint up front. Howard won one flick on for him, but sadly, Earnshaw was ball watching and the two strikers could only look at each other in frustration as the ball went out for a goal kick.

By the end, full-back Jay McEveley was on the left wing, with Pearson attacking from the centre of midfield, his preferred position. McEveley worked hard, but is an overlapping left back by nature, not a wide midfielder. We can only hope that the signing of PSV Eindhoven's Finland winger Mika Väyrynen is wrapped up as soon as possible and preferably another player who can play wide left too will sign as well. Pearson can play there, but would rather not.

Up front, Howard is willing, but I wished he had more speed at times, watching as he lumbered after 50-50 balls or towards passes that a quicker striker would have reached first. Someone with his physical presence but with an extra turn of pace would have caused the Manchester City centre backs a problem or two, as Derby's passing midfielders looked to open them up.

Only the élan of Elano and a touch of magic from Johnson prevented Derby from earning a draw that would have been another vital step on the road to survival. As it was, we were unable to emerge from the game with a point and City were not overly troubled by a team that looked organised and competitive, but ultimately limited, if never truly outclassed.

Player ratings:

BYWATER 7 – Had little to do, but was there when called upon.

MEARS 8 – Man of the Match. Kept Petrov quiet and marauded forward. 100% effort and no little ability.

MOORE 7 – Looks slow and awkward on the ball at this level, but will win everything in the air. Bojinov was brought on to get stuck into him late on

DAVIS 6 – Very nearly dropped an expensive cod in the second half and had to be bailed out by Mears and Bywater. Occasionally clogged the ball into Row Z when there was no need. Otherwise, showed signs of being a good player

GRIFFIN 7 – Mostly solid and there is an advantage in his two-footedness

OAKLEY 7 – Created Derby 's best chance and generally used the ball well.

TODD 7 – Kept City 's attackers quiet whilst acting as the defensive midfield shield during first half. Was withdrawn late on when a goal was needed.

JONES 5 – Well off the pace.

FAGAN 7 – Whether wide right or through the middle, Fagan shows promise. Is quick, strong and direct. Never got a sight of goal though

PEARSON 7 – At the heart of all Derby 's best attacking moves. Spots a pass and delivers it astutely, also breaks from midfield well. If only he'd scored our best chance

HOWARD 6 – Needs pace alongside him at this level. Willing and is always going to win headers, but it promises to be a long, hard season for Stevie

Subs:

TEALE 6 – Didn't make a massive impression. One centre almost created a goal for Howard, other than that, little impact

EARNSHAW 5 – Made no impact whatsoever

McEVELEY 6 – Willing worker, played out of position in left midfield

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls