A Look at the Opening Three Games

Well we have finally kicked off a new season and so far it's seen some different performances from The Rams.

The opening day victory against Rotherham was a hard fought game. We initially dominated only for Rotherham to be allowed back into the game.

For all of our possession we really did fail to capitalise. Very few chances created and and three shots on target the whole game.

Rotherham might have even snatched something from the game as Lee Grant mDe a great save and then moments later Craig Forsyth cleared an attempt off the line.

Jeff Hendrick's winning goal was received with a huge sigh of relief from Rams fans. The ball played to him by Cyrus Christie and Hendrick knocking the ball into the top corner giving the Millers keeper no chance.

The visit to Carlisle for the Capital One Cup game was equally frustrating. Bags of possession over long periods, but no end product yet again! 

Jeff Hendrick finally putting us ahead nodding in from close range settled the nerves a little, but we had to wait til right near the end before a piece of class finishing by Chris Martin saw us safely through to the second round of the competition.

Saturday at Sheffield Wednesday saw an afternoon where for large parts of the game we were second best. Only some missed chances and great goalkeeping from Lee Grant kept the Owls out.

What was pleasing at Hillsborough was seeing Richard Keogh back to nearer his best.

What has been evident in our opening three games is the fact that we aren't just going to score for fun like last season. Teams are well aware that if they don't keep things tight at the back, that they will pay a heavy price!

We definately need to implement a Plan B when it becomes obvious that our passing game is not going to produce the goods. We need an alternative to 4-3-3. Maybe a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond?

What is certain is that we are in need of a natural wide man.  Simon Dawkins form has been woeful in the opening games! I prefer to see Jamie Ward on the left too

Two more fixtures this week. A visit to the Valley tomorrow night against a much improved Charlton team and then back to the iPro on Saturday for the visit of Fulham. 

Six points from these two games are possible, but so are none!

We need to be on top of our game and much improvement from our first three matches is essential. Clean sheets are good, but a few more goals will be needed.