Derby County player ratings v Stoke City as pair dragged off and Jerry Yates angry in poor defeat

Derby County's search for a first away win of the season in the Championship continues after Ben Gibson turned from villain to hero to earn Stoke City a 2-1 win at the bet365 Stadium.

In what was a dismal first half, Joe Ward tested Victor Johansson early on with a free kick as Derby started with purpose. But they fell behind when Jacob Widell Zetterstrom felled Tom Cannon in the box, the striker picking himself up and scoring from the spot.

Andrew Moran then crashed a shot wide as Derby struggled to lay a glove on the hosts. Warne had seen enough at the break to make a double change with Nat Phillips and Callum Elder sent on for Craig Forsyth and Joe Ward. But it was Stoke who came closest to doubling their lead when Zetterstrom made two fine saves, first to deny Cannon and then an incredible stop to thwart Bae Junho.

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Kayden Jackson then forced Johansson into a save before Derby were level through fortuitous circumstances when Elder's long ball was headed by Gibson beyond Johansson in what was a terrible mix-up in communication.

But the Stoke centre-back redeemed himself when he darted into the near post from a corner to give Stoke all three points.

How the players rated...

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Has been pretty much faultless since his arrival but had a rush of blood for the penalty. Didn't need to come off his line and clip Tom Cannon. Gave the referee a decision to make. Made two excellent saves in the second half but helpless for the header. 5

Joe Ward: First start of the season and it showed. Way off the pace in terms of his defensive awareness and it was the side that Stoke had the best joy from. But in his defence he looked like what he is - a winger playing full-back. 3

Curtis Nelson: Didn't really have much to do apart from one tackle on Cannon in the first half in a game really low on quality. 5

Eiran Cashin: Calm in possession but perhaps needed to speed up his play. Still the best defender in the back four in terms of his passing and he was just steady. 5

Craig Forsyth: The long-serving defender had a first half to forget. Gave the ball away a couple of times and just seemed to be off the pace like so many others. 3

Ebou Adams: Can always rely on him to to turn up every week and deliver a level of consistency in terms of energy and commitment. Put the tackles in and led the charge. Derby's best player. 6.5

Ben Osborn: Could see him get frustrated when he drifted into attacking positions and didn't get the pass he was looking for. Better in the second half and seemed to be here, there and everywhere. 5

Marcus Harness: Like so many others, was miles off it in the first half. Had one or two touches but generally he just didn't look sharp enough to really trouble Stoke. 4

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Got into one or two positions where he caused Stoke a couple of concerns but the final shot or cross just wasn't there. Marginally better in the second half. 4.5

Kayden Jackson: Didn't get much joy on the right flank and Derby needed much more from him in terms of attacking productivity.Had a chance in the second half. 5

Jerry Yates: Lost his rag and understandably when a ball that should have been played in behind Stoke should have been a lot quicker than it was. Was a passenger but not through his own fault. 4

SUBSTITUTES

Nat Phillips (Ward 45): Had the bit between his teeth and seemed to chase after everything. 4

Callum Elder (Forsyth 45): It was his pass that led to the goal and had some joy going forwards. 4.5

Dajaune Brown (Yates 63): Put himself about. 4.5

Kenzo Goudmijn (Harness 63): Didn't really notice his impact. 4

James Collins (Mendez-Laing 78): Didn't put a dent in Stoke. 4

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