Paul Warne believes Derby County’s disappointment at not snatching a result against Leeds United shows how far they’ve come.
The Whites moved back to the top of the table courtesy of a 1-0 win at Pride Park where a goal of brilliant quality from Brenden Aaronson secured all three points in the second half.
But Derby produced a spirited performance against Daniel Farke’s promotion chasers despite missing some key players in David Ozoh, Eiran Cashin, Ben Osborn, Ryan Nyambe and Liam Thompson.
Asked for his assessment of the game, Warne said: “I thought in the first 10 minutes we showed them too much respect, and it looked like it was going to be a long evening, but after the first 10 minutes, I thought we settled in the game okay,” he said.
“In the second half, I was pleased. I thought we had a right go, and then it just looked like we’re just beginning to fatigue in certain areas and they’re bringing on players of a certain ilk. We then made changes to get the elusive goal in the game, but it fell to them, and it looked like a very well-worked goal at the time. I haven’t seen it back, but I’d be disappointed if we left runners or something like that.
“My goalkeeper made saves when called upon and you know I make a joke about this everywhere I go, but that’s what I do pay him for. A goalie doesn’t make saves is pointless.
“I thought the two centre-back defended really well, and there were some really good performances throughout the pitch. I thought Kane Wilson was really good as well as Callum Elder, and it just felt like a nil-nil where we’d nick one off a free kick or a corner.
“We didn’t look like we were going to score an open play, if I’m honest, apart from Corey Blackett-Taylor came on and carried a bit of a threat. I am really pleased with the group and I’m really pleased that they’re disappointed that we haven’t taken anything away from the game. I think it shows how far we think we’ve come.”