Optics don't look great after cruel Derby County blow as Paul Warne keeps his counsel
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.
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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.
A frustrating afternoon
Derby's ambitions this season won't be defined by what happens against the likes of Sheffield United who look a good bet to be involved in the promotion race even at this early stage of the season.
Before a ball was kicked some saw this as like being handed a free lottery scratchcard given a reward of any type would have been regarded as a bonus. They are two teams with different ambitions and after being relegated from the Premier League last season, United are blessed with some exciting talents.
You always sensed that Derby would have to take full advantage of any moments that came their way - and they all happened to be in the first half. Kayden Jackson had a good chance inside 20 seconds and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing cracked the post with the game goalless, which, had it gone in, may have resulted in a different outcome.
But ultimately, the second half was very comfortable for Chris Wilder's team who did have the luxury of sending on a £20m player on from the bench. Jackson and Mendez-Laing struggled to make a dent down the flanks while Jerry Yates versus Harry Souttar was a total mismatch in the air. And as a result of the front three never really clicking into gear, United never really looked in any danger of surrendering their lead once they got their noses in front in a goal that was annoying for two reasons, more of which below.
Derby ended up changing their system as they moved to a three at the back and there was one moment when Marcus Harness just needed to execute a pass into Jackson who would have been through on goal late on. It didn't materialise and while there is no shame in losing to United, Derby will leave this game feeling frustrated they couldn't find more bite in attack.
Double disappointment over the goal
Paul Warne largely kept his counsel when asked if he was happy with the defensive wall that had been set up just before Gus Hamer executed a terrific free-kick that ended up being the winner. Hamer has a wonderful right foot so it seemed a bit of a risky move to adopt a three-man blockade with a player of his quality. There can be no dispute about the brilliance of Hamer's finish, but had there been another body there, it would have made his job far more difficult.
Asked about the defensive wall after the game Warne said: "I don't like criticising my players. It was a good finish and went over the small guy. I just felt, and I haven't seen it back, but the free-kick looked a guaranteed shot.
"I would want four big fridges in the wall. That's how I see it. However, it's the goalkeeper's call and if was confident in the three then, yeah. But what do I know?"
And in what was a double source of frustration, the foul for which the free-kick was incredibly soft. Journalists in the press box were lucky enough to get a replay of Ben Osborn's challenge on Hamer and he did appear to get a toe to the ball first before the diminutive Brazilian went to ground. Osborn is an honest professional so you could sense his annoyance when he went to state his case to referee Andrew Madley who if he watches it again, might think he got it wrong.
Elder injury is a worry
Of all the players in this Derby squad who perhaps deserve a break then we can shove Callum Elder's name to the top of the list. Last season was one of trial and tribulations for the Australian whose campaign was hampered by injuries but after a full pre-season, he has made the left-back spot his own.
So it felt incredibly cruel that he had to be replaced due to a groin injury late in the second half. The optics didn't look great in terms of Elder's body language and Warne said he did not pick up the best of signals when he spoke to the former Leicester defender.
Hopefully, it is nothing too serious because to lose him for a few weeks, particularly after losing David Ozoh to a hamstring injury, would represent a serious blow. There's no left-back at the club who packs his athleticism.
You can't help but sympathise with the defender because after last season, he needs a bit of good fortune. Fingers crossed it's not too serious.
Wilder v Warne was avoidable
Warne was not overly enamoured with Chris Wilder's antics in the first half which led to the pair exchanging words in the dugout. It is only the second yellow card Warne has had in 400 games in management and it's incredibly rare for him to react in such a manner.
But it was a scenario that could have been avoided had the Sheffield United manager just taken a step back rather than get involved with Jerry Yates when the ball went out for a throw-in.
Wilder said he wanted to speed the game up, but it's not as if his team was losing 1-0 in the 89th minute. It was all a bit silly really.