Derby County suffered their 11th defeat in their 22nd game of the 2020-21 EFL Championship season as Wayne Rooney’s side went down 0-1 at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.
In the first game of the New Year in any English league, Callum Paterson scrambled home the only goal of the game on the hour for an important three points for the Owls.
However, there was much to be impressed by once again from Derby, who were 4-0 winners at Birmingham City in their last outing.
On another day the Rams would have been taken home all three points – Krystian Bielek, Matt Clarke and Louie Sibley all missing good chances from close range, whilst Colin Kazim-Richards headed against the underside of the crossbar in the first half.
The Rams dominated possession for the opening hour, finishing the game with 68%, whilst Sheffield Wednesday did cause a few problems from set pieces.
Victory moves Wednesday out of the relegation zone and above Derby County on goal difference. The East Midlands club could fall into the bottom three once again if results don’t go their way on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday only dismissed Tony Pulis a week ago and have now won both games under caretaker boss Neil Thompson. They travel to Exeter City in the FA Cup next weekend.
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney takes his Derby side to non-league opponents Crawley Town in the FA Cup third round next Saturday lunchtime.
