Derby County secured back-to-back away league victories for the first time since April 2016 as they came from behind to stun Leeds United and win 2-1 at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.
Gary Rowett’s side endured a difficult first half but they produced a thrilling comeback after the break and two goals from Sam Winnall earned the Rams a crucial three points.
There were impressive Derby performances all over the pitch during the second period and with that in mind, here are five key stats from the success in West Yorkshire.
Clinical Winnall
Winnall was rewarded with a start after his match-winning cameo at Carrow Road against Norwich City and he didn’t disappoint, as he proved decisive in front of goal once again to lead his side to a win that seemed hugely unlikely at half time.
The on-loan striker found the net with both of his shots on target at Elland Road, extending an already impressive record.
He’s now scored with four of his five shots on target in a Derby shirt, a figure that perfectly showcases his goalscoring instincts, especially inside the penalty area, and the two goals last night make him the most prolific striker in the EFL since the start of the 2013/14 season, with 72 goals in the Championship, League One and League Two.
Key Contribution
Craig Forsyth’s road back from injury has been a long one, but he has proved that he is back to his best with a series of strong performances during the four-game winning run.
The full-back made three key passes against Leeds, more than any other Derby player, a figure that included the inch-perfect cross he supplied for Winnall’s crucial equaliser.
The Rams battled to keep Leeds out after they took the lead early, and Forsyth proved his worth at both ends of the pitch as Rowett’s side secured a memorable victory.
Keeping It Tight
The Rams had to dig in during the first period as the hosts took control, but after they took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Leeds were limited by their in-form visitors.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s strike was the only shot on target that the Whites managed all night, as Rowett’s solid defensive unit restricted opportunities for their vibrant attacking quartet.
Just like against Norwich, Derby saw out the game expertly after taking the lead late on, as the team sat in their shape and Leeds could find no way through
All-Action Huddlestone
Tom Huddlestone was dispossessed as Leeds took the lead early but the experienced midfielder didn’t let it affect his game, and he delivered at key moments for the Rams.
His ball through to Forsyth that led to the equaliser was superb, and he also made eight clearances; more than any other Derby player on the night, proving his influence at both ends of the pitch.
Four On The Bounce
It’s been a perfect October for the Rams, with the side putting together a run of four successive wins for the first time since Rowett took charge in March.
Derby have scored eight goals and conceded just two during the month, and a seven-game unbeaten run has lifted the Rams from mid-table to top-six contention with a game in hand going into the final international break of 2017.
