Derby County player ratings v Birmingham

Derby County's search for a home win in the Championship continues as they were beaten at Pride Park by Birmingham City this afternoon in a game marred by a serious injury to Henrik Meister.

Blues came from behind to seal a 2-1 win after Bobby Clark had given Derby the lead, but more charitable defending cost the hosts who forced themselves in front through Carlos Vicente and then Paik Seung-Ho.

But immediate thoughts will be with Meister who was carried off on a stretcher after taking a tumble with nobody around him early in the second half.

The striker had given the Blues plenty to think about early on with some strong running, but it was Birmingham who created the first moment of danger when Rian Cashin was forced to clear under his own crossbar.

That earned Blues a corner from which August Priske headed narrowly over the bar before Mo Fuseini was close to meeting a cross from Szmodics at the near post. Carlos Vicente then curled narrowly over the bar for the visitors before Derby took the lead when a cross from Joe Ward was kept alive by Carlton Morris who headed down for Sam Szmodics.

The striker waited for the run of Clark who received the pass to drill past James Beadle at his near post. But Blues were level before half-time when Vicente snuck in at the back post to head Liam Millar's cross past Zetterstrom. Derby then suffered another injury just after the break and it was a serious one too as Meister had to be carried off on a stretcher and falling to the ground.

After a lengthy stoppage, Fuseini then forced a save from Beadle but Blues were ahead when substitute Paik Seung-Ho headed in Liam Millar's corner on the goalline. Zetterstrom then denied Vicente and pulled off a super stop to thwart Stansfield.

Derby pushed for an equaliser as Sam Szmodics and Carlton Morris both had goalbound shots blocked on a frustrating afternoon.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Seemed to get in a couple of mix-ups by coming off his line. If you're going to do that then you have to scream that is your intention. Some brilliant saves, but wasn't convincing on other areas. 5

Joe Ward: Lame attempt to stop the cross which led to Birmingham's equaliser and the right-back spot is a problem. Crossing was hit and miss and needed more consistency in that respect. 5

Sondre Langas: Had a fascinating battle with Priske but does show signs of being back to his former self after a poor start to the season by his standards. Looked tired though late on. 5.

Eiran Cashin: Bar one mix-up with Zetterstrom in which he needed the goalkeeper to communicate, was excellent in the first half. And it was nice to see the crossfield diagonal pass back in action. Appeared to be fouled for Blues' winner. 6

Charlie Taylor: Was signed as cover but has found himself playing consistently each week at left-back. Was a little on his heels for the equaliser, but in fairness it was a goal that could have been avoided before that. 5

David Ozoh: Showed serious strength and drive in the centre of midfield and had a great contest with Jhon Solis who was equally a big presence in the middle of the pitch. 6

Bobby Clark: Grabbed his goal by making a late run from midfield which caught Blues napping. That's two goals for the season now and he put a lot of energy into his performance. 7.5

Henrik Meister: Started off with real purpose and gave Osayi-Samuel a real problem in the opening stages but went off with a serious injury in the second half in what was a worrying sight. N/A

Sam Szmodics: Showed good awareness in the box to pick out the run of Clark and he does show intelligence in and around the fiinal third. Had a shot late on that was blocked. 6

Mo Fuseini: There were a couple of moments when his pace was a threat for Blues and can't fault his effort out of possession. Once he is fully settled, he will be a terrific asset. 7

Carlton Morris: Did well to keep an attack alive in the build up to the goal and was tasked with two imposing centre-backs. His inclusion was a big surprise mind. 6

Oscar Fraulo (Meister 58): Was tidy. 6

Corey-Blackett-Taylor (Cashin 85): Came close at the death. 6

Ryan Hedges (Ozoh 85): Did okay. 5

Lars-Jorgen Salvesen (Taylor 90): Tried to be a nuisance. N/A

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