3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu was keen to praise the mental strength and character of his Derby County side as they came back from behind to record an impressive 3-2 victory at Swansea City.
Derby took the lead early on at the Liberty Stadium when striker Martyn Waghorn scored from close range, after Tom Lawrence had hit the post, to take his tally for the season to ten goals.
Yan Dhanda equalised for Swansea after the break and Kyle Naughton then put the hosts ahead moments later as the game turned on its head.
Duane Holmes hit back soon afterwards with a fine first-time strike, before Wales international forward Lawrence hammered home the winner late on to secure all three points.
The victory was Derby’s first on the road since the opening day of the season at Huddersfield Town, ending a six-month wait for a league victory away from Pride Park Stadium.
Derby have now tasted one defeat in 11 games in all competitions and their upturn in form in recent weeks has seen the Dutchman’s side climb the Sky Bet Championship table.
Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Cocu said: “I always enjoy a win and today is no different.
“We had to suffer in parts of the game for it but in the end, the team showed great mental strength and character.
“It’s difficult to win against Swansea as they are a really good team and play good football, especially at home, but the players did a great job.”
He added: “We scored three great goals and the winner from Tom Lawrence was fantastic.
“For the confidence of the team, to go to an away game and get a win, we know it’s possible and that we can do it - but we know we can’t settle now.”
After seeing his side quickly go from a goal to the good early in the second half to 2-1 down before the hour mark, Cocu opted to make changes.
He withdrew youngsters Jayden Bogle and Jason Knight and opted to bring experienced duo Curtis Davies and Graeme Shinnie off the bench.
The pair played a key role in the victory and Cocu was pleased with their impact, which further highlighted the message he has consistently delivered that everyone in the squad has a part to play.
He added: “We were happy with how we played in the first half. The organisation in the team was very good.
“With the quality Swansea have, they can score a goal and we conceded two quickly after half-time. We know at this stage of the season that we need to stay in the game and not concede like we did.
“What is most upsetting in this game is that we gave away the game in those few minutes but then I still decided to make the changes, bringing on Graeme Shinnie and Curtis Davies, that I had already planned.
“In the few minutes after half time, I wasn’t content with how we played and how the shape of the team was so even when we were losing 2-1, I decided to do it.
“We felt it was needed and they both did very well. They gave the team a balance and we got back in the game.”
Derby are back on the road on Wednesday evening when they head to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City as they look to record a third successive league win.
