Rescuer Lawrence thrills Lampard
TOM LAWRENCE rescued the Rams – and was then tipped for the top by boss Frank Lampard.
The Wales international dragged the Championship club back into this tie after it appeared Nathan Redmond would hog the headlines.
The winger’s deflected goal and a beauty curled in from the edge of the area a few minutes into the second half put the Saints in charge.
But Lawrence, a £7m signing from Leicester City 18 months ago, sublimely conjured up a shooting chance for Jack Marriott. And then he went on a run from deep before finding the net with a magnificent 25-yarder that beat visiting keeper Angus Gunn all ends up.
Proud Lampard said: “I believe he has all the attributes to play at the top level.
“What I see in Tom every day is a work ethic. When I put him in the team, I know he is pretty much going to give me everything. He’s young and working every day and doing the right things. That will get him to that level because he has all the attributes.”
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl accused his side of being too comfortable after Redmond had his side coasting.
He said: “For 60 minutes we were comfortable. Then we were sloppy, losing the ball and our opponents made two goals. Until then, it was a good performance.”
Derby 2 Southampton 2 Neil Moxley