3/1 To Win
Manager Frank Lampard again heaped praise on his players following the impressive 1-4 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
The Rams dominated throughout and were rewarded with a convincing victory which moved them back up to fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, and two points behind leaders Leeds United.
Jack Marriott and Tom Lawrence netted two early goals as the Rams led going into the break, whilst Harry Wilson made it three six minutes after the restart.
Scott Malone made it four on 71 minutes before Jay Rodriguez scored a consolation with only seven minutes remaining.
Asked if that was the best performance of the season, Lampard replied: “It tops it in result because to come to West Brom and win 4-1 is impressive no matter what we look at it. I thought we could have done better in certain aspects of our game and no disrespect to West Brom but I thought we could have scored more goals as well.
“I can’t complain, I would be stupid to complain about a 4-1 victory. There was some good aspects and some good finishes from us. If we were more clinical in our transition and win the ball back in midfield and break on them as we did quite a few times, we could have scored more but I’m happy with the result.
“We approached the games right. I don’t think we started particularly well but when Jack is like that, is sharp and picks up on a mistake by one of them then finishes it, then it’s great for us. Tom Lawrence’s goal is quality for us as he beat his man, like he did a lot in the first half, and hits a great strike so it’s good for us.
“We’ve been waiting for that sort of game where the hard work pays off early and we can get that level of comfort in the game and it changes the atmosphere in the game.”
Rams led 0-2 at the break following the goals from Marriott and Lawrence but the manager warned his players at the break to not let their performance levels drop.
“My half time team talk was that 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline against a team that can score goals so it’s important we came out with the same attitude and did the same things that we were doing in the first half and we did,” he told RamsTV.
“I’m not thoroughly happy with the performance because we might have let them back in with a couple of chances but a great bit of quality from Harry Wilson and that was the end really.”
Malone was instrumental for the Rams this evening. A minute prior to his goal, he cleared one off the line and then he popped up at the other end to ensure the three points headed back to Pride Park.
“That is what Scott is here for,” Lampard said. “I’m lucky because I’ve got Craig Forsyth and Scott Malone, two very good left backs.
“Craig almost wins us the game other day with the quality of his delivery and then Scott shows he has the capacity to be up there at the other end of the field as well so I’m happy with the both of them.
The Rams have now taken six points from a possible six against Sheffield United and West Brom and wants the focus of his players to quickly switch to Saturday’s game against fellow high-flyers Middlesbrough.
“We must not get carried away,” he commented. “It’s massive for the lads how they rest and how they prepare for Saturday. We wanted six points from these two games and we’ve got them with good performances.
“The minute you get carried away or your head gets into the clouds in this league we know what happens so it’s been a great half to the week but let’s finish it off.
The manager finished his interview by reserving the last word for the Rams supporters who once again travelled in their numbers.
“They were amazing,” he said. “The fans were incredible, as they always are on the road. I don’t think we’ve been as good on the road and we haven’t always given what they deserve but we did tonight and they gave us.
“I didn’t go out on the pitch and didn’t get drawn into the bounce because I’m focused on this run. I might bounce after another result but the players deserved their moment. It means so much to us. It reflects in how we play and how the players feel. It’s a love both ways and thanks to them.”
