The only word I can use to describe Monday night’s match is ‘weird’.

Burnley were gifted the match by a combination of all sorts in defence including 2 own goals and 2 penalties.

Other clubs fans, and plenty of our own, are describing it as our regular season meltdown but despite the score line — it was without a doubt a better performance.

I have to say the first-half performance was very encouraging after the dismal displays against Reading and Birmingham. Derby looked sharp, knocked it around well and got the ball in good areas.

4-3-3 was the set up and at times the midfield worked well, Butterfield was an obvious example of this and it was encouraging to see Johnson looking a little sharper even if somewhat off his early season form.

Responding so quickly to going 1-0 down was pleasing and what a strike it was, Jacob Butterfield was a positive light on the night and has now scored 6 goals this season.

Thorne showed some good signs, especially when the Rams continued to push and create after going behind in the second 45 but of course it left things open at the back.

4 goals flattered Burnley. It’s not worth picking each goal apart but suffice to say it’s unusual for so many to be gift wrapped and delivered from one side to another.

What is concerning are the amount of goals conceded recently including the 3 vs Birmingham and 4 more Monday night, making it 13 goals in the last 6 matches.

I still have confidence that the back 5 of Carson, Christie, Keogh, Shacks & Warnock is our first choice. Yes, there were shades of the calamity of the end of last season but this back five are much stronger.

I don’t think Warnock deserves to be dropped, even with the Marcus Olsson signing from Blackburn, if for no other reason than he has been one of our better players when the team has been poor.

The score line doesn’t provide a fair review of the Clarets ability but their defence looks solid and knows how to deal with a cross, whilst their striker Andre Gray provides a genuine threat.

Overall, it is unusual to say it after a 4-1 defeat but there were positives that can hopefully give the teams confidence a lift.

Time to hit the ‘panic’ button yet? No!

There were encouraging signs which should give the team something to build on.

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.

Match Highlights:

Match Reaction:

Paul Clement found the result a tough one to take.

Photo: Action Images

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