RAMS RATINGS
JOE WILDSMITH
Made two comfortable saves in the first half and kicking was OK. Was alert to anything played over the top and had a generally solid game. 7
JASON KNIGHT
Midfielder played full-back, which you suspect will continue to happen until the club lands a replacement in the transfer market. Provided decent support and did really well. 8
CURTIS DAVIES
Defended superbly and was nice and aggressive all afternoon. Led a back four that presented very little opportunity to Oxford’s attack, who found him a colossal presence. 8
EIRAN CASHIN
Such an assured performance and defensively was outstanding. Loves a tackle and produced a great block in the first half. Plays with such passion and you can see what the club means to him. 8
HAYDON ROBERTS
Was asked to come into the centre of the pitch from a full-back position and he stuck to the task well. Defended his side well. 7
CONOR HOURIHANE
The former Aston Villa midfielder was followed wherever he went as Oxford tried to limit his influence on the game early on. But he conjured up a majestic finish 10 minutes from time to send Pride Park Stadium into a frenzy. 8
MAX BIRD
Game largely passed him by in the first half but, like Hourihane, his every movement was tracked. Played a wonderful ball in the second half to find Mendez-Laing as he started to enjoy seeing more of the ball. 7
KOREY SMITH
Lots of energy in the middle of the pitch and it was his lovely clipped ball over the top that led to Derby’s best chance of the opening 45 minutes. 7 TOM BARKHUIZEN
The winger put in a real shift on the left side and patrolled his side of the pitch with real purpose. Possesses such good movement. 7
JAMES COLLINS
Had a couple of efforts at goal that were deflected in the first half and had to fend off the centre-backs on his own but kept them occupied. Was so close to a goal after the break. 7
NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING
The best of the attacking trio. Ran at pace, had the beating of his full-back and was denied by the goalkeeper. Was excellent. 8
LOUIE SIBLEY (FOR SMITH, 60):
Played a key role having come off the bench. Nice and lively and caused problems for the Oxford defence. 7
LIAM THOMPSON (FOR MENDEZLAING, 82)
Came on into the heart of midfield and helped Derby protect their lead. 6