Leigh Curtis's Derby County players ratings v Sheffield United as duo lack punch amid crucial wall error

Derby County's Kayden Jackson during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield
-Credit: (Image: PA)


A stunning free-kick from Gus Hamer ensured Derby County are still searching for their first point away from home in the Championship as Sheffield United secured a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

In what was Paul Warne's 400th game in management, Derby created a decent opportunity within 10 seconds when Kenzo Goudmijn slipped a pass into the run of Kayden Jackson but his shot towards the far post forced Harry Souttar into a desperate clearance.

In what was a breathless opening, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi then forced a good save from Jacob Widell Zetterstrom who tipped his shot onto the bar at the expense of a corner.

READ MORE:'I was on the plane to Derby County and my transfer was emotional for two reasons'

READ MORE:Paul Warne explains why he 'lost it' with Chris Wilder in Derby County v Sheffield United fracas

It was a frantic opening and there was action in the dugout too when Paul Warne and Chris Wilder clashed after the latter pushed Jerry Yates when the ball went out for a throw in.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had a penalty appeal turned down before the winger smashed the upright with a shot in what was Derby's best chance of the half. Gus Hamer returned fire when he drilled a 25-yard shot that Zetterstrom turned around the post.

And it was Hamer who gave the Blades the lead although he was perhaps fortunate to win the free-kick from which he scored after Ben Osborn appeared to win the ball. But the former Coventry City playmaker took advantage of a three-man wall to fire in from the edge of the box. Both sides traded minor blows after that but neither goalkeeper had much to do as the Blades secured all three points.

Here's how the players rated...

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Tipped a shot from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi onto the bar and then made a good save from distance to deny Gus Hamer. Couldn't do much about the free-kick given the pace, but needed more of a wall. Might be an inquest into that. 6

Ryan Nyambe: Didn't see much of him going forward but then that is not his speciality. Defended well in the moments he needed to against a lively Blades attack. 5.5

Curtis Nelson: Probably up against the best striker in the league in how he plays with his back to goal in Kieffer Moore, but the centre-back tried to give as good as he got. 5.5

Eiran Cashin: After last weekend's strange game v Cardiff, the centre-back was back to his normal self with a more of an assured display in the heart of the defence although couple of passes went astray. 5.5

Callum Elder: Had a tricky customer to deal with in Rak-Sakyi but the Australian fared pretty well against the on-loan Crystal Palace winger who will cause problems this season. 5.5

Ebou Adams: Seemed to wind-up the locals with his thunderous tackling that took no prisoners. Rattled Rak-Sakyi and Kieffer Moore but his passing was a bit hap-hazard. 6

Kenzo Goudmijn: Started the game really brightly as he conjured up a chance for Kayden Jackson but influence began to wane as United saw more of the ball. Moved to a deeper position after Osborn went off. 5.5

Ben Osborn: Back on his old stamping ground after his move from the Blades in the summer and the midfielder did what was required of him. Was sacrificed in the second half after putting a lot of energy into the game. 5.5

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Had one blistering moment when he cut past three players and had penalty appeals turned down. Also hit the post with a blistering effort. Could count himself unfortunate. 5.5

Jerry Yates: Had a lonely job at times but there were some flashes of brilliant link-up play and the on-loan Swansea man did his best to unsettle two imposing centre-backs but Harry Souttar had him on lockdown in particular. 5

Kayden Jackson: Had a great chance inside 10 seconds as Derby made a blistering start, but his best work really came going back towards his own goal. Didn't really get into the game. 5

Subs:

Marcus Harness (Osborn 68): There was one neat turn when he came on. 5

Dajaune Brown (Mendez-Laing 77): Didn't really get much of a sniff. 5

Nat Phillips (Nyambe 77): Came on and settled into a back three. 5

Corey Blackett-Taylor (Elder 81): Didn't impact the game in the last 10. 4.5

Joe Ward (Goudmijn 82): Played in a central midfield role. 4.5

Who was your man of the match? Have your say HERE.