Derby County manager Paul Warne was unable to hide his feelings as he saw his side lose their unbeaten home record against Norwich City this afternoon in controversial circumstances.
The Rams entered the clash having won all three of their fixtures at Pride Park without conceding a goal. In stark contrast, their away form has seen them record three defeats, so confidence was high that they could get something out of the clash with the Canaries.
Norwich arguably edged the first half, although it looked as if the two sides would enter the break level. However, the visitors scored in added time through Borja Sainz’s cheeky finish.
There were immediate protests from the Derby defence, who were claiming that the ball had gone out of play as Josh Sargent stretched to guide it back into the six yard box. Indeed, replays confirmed that he made contact beyond the touchline.
The hosts drew level on the hour mark through Craig Forsyth, but parity lasted just five minutes when Sainz grabbed his second. A frantic finish ensued when Warne’s side pushed for an equaliser. It was Norwich who grabbed victory though when Sainz completed his hat trick in the 87th minute. Corey Blackett-Taylor pulled one back in added time, but it eventually proved too-little-too-late.
It was clear in the aftermath of the game where attention would be focused. The opening goal proved to be the turning point and was of course the main talking point. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rams boss Warne was understandably frustrated:
“Well, I think I make (of it) what everyone else has seen. I’ve seen it at the time. I thought the way the players react, you don’t see your players and your team react in that way and I presume everyone has seen it who is listening to me talk about it. So, it is what it is.
“It’s disappointing. It’s the first league goal we’ve conceded at home. I feel sorry for the lads really. I don’t think they deserved it. They literally gassed out.
“They’re an amazing group. I love them dearly. They’re brilliant to work with and I just thought we were unlucky on a couple of incidents today, to say the least.”
"This is so clearly out. The more you see it, the worse it gets" 😬
Curtis Davies and Chris Sutton analyse Borja Sainz's first goal against Derby 🔍 pic.twitter.com/MAu7ni2P02
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 28, 2024
Pushed further, Warne’s anger became evident:
“I like to think they would see it (the officials). Obviously, we tried to discuss it and you’re just wasting your breath, aren’t you?
“It’s easy where I am, possibly, but it felt like the whole stadium saw it. I think in fairness, the fans heard at half time and unfortunately, we win a corner when we’re 2-1 down. Newsflash, we’re not bad at corners and obviously they go up and score the third goal and a similar sort of thing happens.”
Writer’s View
It will be of no consolation to Derby, but an apology from the PGMOL is likely. It was an absolutely shocking decision which dearly cost the home side. Warne rightly feels aggrieved, especially because the timing of the goal changed the whole complexion of the game. Going in at half time level would have seen the Rams keep their shape in the second half, but they were forced to change their entire game plan.
It’s yet another example of the standard of officiating in the EFL. It seems under constant scrutiny at the moment. As a result, expect conversations about VAR in the Championship to rear its head in the coming days.
