3/1 To Win
Forward Nathaniel Mendez-Laing conceded that Derby County fell below their usual standards and needed to ‘grab the game by the scruff of the neck’ in their 1-0 loss at Bristol City on Saturday.
Liam Manning's in-form side went in front in the 20th minute through Luke McNally and held onto their advantage to claim a third win from their last four outings.
Derby looked for an equaliser for the following 70 minutes but were unable to get back on level terms.
The Rams will now have a full week to reset ahead of their Emirates FA Cup Third Round clash at League One side Leyton Orient next Saturday following the busy Christmas and New Year schedule.
Mendez-Laing caught up with RamsTV to reflect on the 1-0 defeat on the road.
On falling to defeat against Bristol City…
It was not a good enough standard from ourselves at all today. I don't really think we got going. It's not a representation of ourselves and we are really disappointed. It's been a tough, busy period and there was a lot of fatigue in the group. The boys have given what they can. That being said, there can be no excuses for the performance. We know we've got to be better. We've got some time now to recharge and I'm sure the boys will come out and do that.
On lessons to take from the game…
We just have to be a lot more gritty, especially away from home. We need to do the ugly side of the game and then try and be positive in our play when we get the ball. We can't just wait for the game to come to us. We have to just grab it by the scruff of the neck.
On having a week to regroup ahead of an FA Cup clash with Leyton Orient…
We've said in the dressing room that it is important we stick together. On the recovery side of things after the period that we've just had, the break is important. We’ll have to do all the right things and get ourselves in the best possible shape for our next match.
