Leigh Curtis's Derby County player ratings v Norwich as duo shine amid Pride Park fury

Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you how the Rams rated in the clash against the Canaries this afternoon

Borja Sainz scored a hat-trick as Norwich City ended Derby County's 100 per cent home record with a 3-2 victory at Pride Park.

Derby had actually made a bright start and could and perhaps should have been in front in the opening minutes when a wonderful move carved open the visitors.

It started with Yates flicking a pass into the feet of Osborn who found the run of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing whose cross to the back post was met by Kayden Jackson who scuffed wide of the post.

Jerry Yates then had a chance from a set-piece although he was in an offside position as Derby continued to search for a breakthrough. But Norwich started to show a threat themselves although their best chances came from Derby's mistakes.

After Borja Sainz fired inches wide from a corner, a rogue pass from Osborn was cut out by Sainz whose shot ended up being pushed over the bar by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. Eiran Cashin then thwarted Josh Sargent with a last-ditch tackle before the Canaries had their breakthrough. Another mistake by Derby in possession was pounced on which ended up leading to Sargent crossing for Sainz although the ball had clearly run out of play.

Sainz flicked the ball into the net but despite Derby's protests the goal stood. But Warne's side fought back after the break and they drew level when Craig Forsyth smashed in superbly from a corner. Just as Derby sensed the tide was about to turn however, Sainz smashed in an excellent shot from the edge of the box to make it 2-1.

Eiran Cashin nearly conjured up a spectacular equaliser with a 30-yard strike that hit the bar before Sainz grabbed his hat-trick although that was marred in controversy as the ball had gone out of play. Substitute Corey Blackett-Taylor made it 3-2 in injury time and Jackson was denied by Angus Gunn as Derby pushed for an equaliser which ultimately didn't arrive.

Here's how the players rated.....

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Snuffed out a chance for Sargent in the first half and made a brave header coming off his line. Conceded his first goal at Pride Park, but it shouldn't have stood after a horrific error from the linesman which caused fury on the terraces. 6

Ryan Nyambe: Solid defensively but just played a bit too safe at times in attacking sense and tended to go backwards rather than forwards. That can be an element of his game that can be improved. 5

Curtis Nelson: The centre-back grabbed an assist for teeing up Forsyth for the equaliser in the second half. As far as his defensive work went, he did okay. 5.5

Eiran Cashin: Made a few crunching challenges and made an important clearance to stop Sargent from scoring in the first half. Had a decent game in the heart of the back four and could have scored himself when he rattled the bar with a howitzer. 7

Craig Forsyth: A brilliant return to the team for the left-back who was dropped into the position as a result of Callum Elder's injury. Scored the equaliser with a superbly taken effort from a corner. 7.5

Ben Osborn: Was guilty of making a mistake in possession that led to a Norwich chance but he wasn't alone in that and that was a problem for Derby. Got through a lot of yards. 5.5

Ebou Adams: Was like a wrecking ball as he rattled into the challenges and his energy was boundless but his work in possession was a touch untidy and that is one facet of his game that needs some work. 7

Kenzo Goudmijn: The best midfielder of the bunch in terms of taking the ball in tight spaces and the accuracy of his passing. in possession. 6.5

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Seemed to just stop for the Norwich goal when he got robbed of the ball. Did have a couple of bright moments going forward and created a chance for Jackson. 6

Kayden Jackson: Should have at least hit the target in the first couple of minutes which came as a result of a beautiful and incisive move and easily the best Derby put together. 6

Jerry Yates: Showed one or two flicks and had one chance that would have been ruled out for offside had it gone in anyway. Better than he was at Sheffield United. 6

Subs:

Tawanda Chirewa (Osborn 70): Didn't really impact the game in the 20 minutes he had on the pitch. 4.5

Marcus Harness (Mendez-Laing 70): Created a chance for Jackson in stoppage time. 5

Kane Wilson (Nyambe 70): One or two runs. 5

James Collins (Yates 80): Had a header in stoppage time. 5

Corey Blackett-Taylor (Adams 80): Scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant finish. 6

Join our new Whatsapp community! Click this link to receive daily Derby County content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice

Who was your man of the match? Have your say HERE.