Manager Frank Lampard hailed this evening’s win against Sheffield United as one of his favourite performances of the season.
It was a whirlwind opening as Craig Bryson scored for the Rams 19 seconds into the game. Jack Marriott fed the midfielder for his second goal in as many games at Pride Park Stadium, however, the Blades did manage to get an equaliser before half time as Chris Basham swept in from close range.
Marriott was again the goalscoring hero as he notched the winner in the 77th minute to ensure Frank Lampard’s side jumped up to fifth in the Sky Bet Championship.
Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Lampard said: “It was an outstanding performance from us and it was my favourite of the season so far. The work rate and the attitude of the lads today was great at it was a great game.
“Sheffield United are a top team in the division for a reason. They had been playing well going into the game and they gave us problems. We had to overcome those problems, we had to create chances like we did and we deserved to win the game.
“We could have scored one or two more but it was a tough match. It wasn’t really an enjoyable one for me but it was a great advert for what this Championship is all about. I’m proud of all of them today.”
Bryson’s goal after 19 seconds was the fastest in the English Football League this season, and Lampard was delighted with the start his side made this evening.
“We’ve been due one of those goals,” he admitted. “It was good play. It was what we have been working on, getting the ball through midfield and getting people in the box.
“To do it that early in the game was important because we knew it was going to be tough for the whole game so it was a nice lead to take so early.”
Marriott notched his second goal in as many games and the manager was again full of praise for his frontman.
“I’m delighted for him and it was a great finish,” the manager commented. “It’s one of those you have to watch two or three times to see that it was a great top class finish.
“To get in that area, like against QPR, was brilliant. He is a threat around the box and we have to get balls into him inside the box. It was a great ball from Craig Forsyth and it was a great goal.”
The only dampener on the evening was the injury to midfielder Craig Bryson, who was forced off in the first half.
“He has got a tight calf,” Lampard explained. “Hopefully we got him off before it became a big issue but it has to be assessed. He is a big miss because he’s got so much energy and he couldn’t run as he usually does for five to 10 minutes.
“He was struggling so we had to make that change and again it was an obstacle that we overcame and credit to the lads that they did.”