3/1 To Win
It took just 24 seconds for Derby County to start breaking records in the East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Matej Vydra’s strike set Gary Rowett’s side on their way, before David Nugent doubled their lead just after half-time to seal a 2-0 victory for the Rams at Pride Park Stadium.
Here are five key facts and figures to take away a memorable afternoon…
Fastest Out Of The Blocks
The Pride Park faithful had barely had time to take their seats before Vydra fired Derby ahead after a swift turn and finish from Joe Ledley’s pass.
The ball hit the net with just 24 seconds gone, making it the fastest goal scored in the Sky Bet Championship this season, although remarkably, it isn’t the fastest in the Rams’ history.
Current Under-18’s coach Rory Delap holds that honour, although only just, as his goal against Bradford City in a thrilling 4-4 draw in April 2000 came after 23 seconds.
Nonetheless, the Czech Republic international has made a flying start to the season. That goal was his fifth in just seven starts in the Championship this season, whilst he’s also recorded a further two assists.
100-up For The Rams’ No.1
The East Midlands derby was the perfect occasion for the ever-reliable Scott Carson to reach an impressive personal milestone.
Always one of the first names on Gary Rowett’s team sheet, this was his 100th start for Derby in all competitions since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2015, and he marked the record with a typically assured performance and a well-deserved clean sheet.
Ledley Makes His Mark
The Wales midfielder wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet for the Rams with a goal on his debut against Brentford in late September.
Since then, he put in a solid performance in the 0-0 draw against his hometown club Cardiff City, but on Sunday he showed the creative influence that he can bring to Rowett’s midfield.
No player on the pitch made more key passes (3) on Sunday, with one of them being ruthlessly finished by Vydra in the opening minute to ensure that Ledley has now been directly involved in two goals in his first three starts for the Rams.
Three In A Row For The First Time
The victory meant that Derby have now won three consecutive home league games against their local rivals for the first time ever.
Marcus Olsson’s late winner secured victory during the 2015/16 season whilst the Rams were comfortable 3-0 winners last campaign, with this weekend’s win ensuring that Forest have now failed to score at Pride Park since January 2015.
Pass Master
Tom Huddlestone has played every minute of Derby’s Championship campaign so far and he showed why with his impressive passing ability in the middle of the park against Forest.
The midfielder completed 38 of his 43 passes on Sunday, recording 88% accuracy, which is higher than any other midfielder that started the game.
He also made one key pass throughout the 90 minutes, and time and again he showed the confidence to come deep and receive the ball from his defenders in order to instigate the Rams’ attacking moves.
