Principled Frank will not pass the buck
FRANK LAMPARD had no regrets about sticking to his passing principles again, despite his Derby side failing to overcome Bristol City.
The former England midfielder pointed out that “you need balls as a player” to keep playing and not whack long balls when the going gets tough.
Bristol City often stuck a cluster of men behind the ball, with the home crowd sometimes frustrated by Derby’s struggles.
But Lampard’s men just could not dig out the win, leaving them six points behind Leeds – who are second with a game in hand on leaders Norwich.
The Derby boss said: “I wanted them to keep to our principles and they did.
“When teams camp 10 men behind the ball I won’t be telling players to go long and direct.
“We’re not playing for the sake of it. We are trying to move the ball to win games.
“You need balls as a player to keep trying to move the ball. We have to be together.”
Lampard’s principles were on show early on, with Florian Jozefzoon having two shots blocked.
The home crowd were stunned, though, when the Robins snatched the lead against the run of play.
The goal came from a blunder by Richard Keogh, who misdirected a header after Marlon Pack’s hopeful ball forward.
That provided a gift for Jamie Paterson, who chipped over Scott Carson.
Derby should have quickly levelled but David Nugent somehow headed over after a cross by classy Harry Wilson.
Mason Mount soon crossed for Martyn Waghorn to equalise, though, with an eye-catching flick.
It was Waghorn’s first Derby goal at Pride Park – and a fine response to being left out of the squad by Lampard in the previous game.
The Derby boss added: “He was still in my plans, big time. I was delighted with his desire and touches here.”
City boss Lee Johnson said: “It was a really hard-fought point but part of me is disappointed that we haven’t nicked it. Carson made an unbelievable save at the end.”