Derby County versus West Bromwich Albion saw two teams trying to inject momentum into the second halves of their seasons, where avoiding a loss was a key focus for both dugouts.
Derby County, off the back of two hard-fought away wins, have been left with a renewed sense of optimism and are looking at an outside chance of the EFL Championship playoffs in the second half of the season.
To reach that objective, though, they will be looking to amend their home form with only one win in seven across all competitions.
West Brom, however, had been looking to turn the tide.
Four consecutive league losses, including a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Norwich City, have left the Baggies wary of a potential relegation scrap.
Both goals, a scramble to score from Patrick Agyemang and a Chris Mepham header awarded by the goal decision system, came from chaotic set-pieces.
They were conceded by the team that looked most likely to score at the time, at the end of each half, but the key focus is on the principles that both John Eustace and Eric Ramsey will need to implement to move their respective sides up the table in the second half of the season.
Lineups & Formations
John Eustace set Derby County up in a 4-2-3-1 shape.
Jacob Widell Zetterström started in goal behind a back-four of Joe Ward, Sondre Langås, Danny Batth, and Callum Elder, from right to left.
Lewis Travis and David Ozoh played in midfield behind right-winger Ben Brereton Díaz, left-winger Rhian Brewster and attacking midfielder Bobby Clark.
Patrick Agyemang led the line up front.
Eric Ramsays side played in a 5-4-1 with Max OLeary in goal behind Krystian Bielik, Nat Phillips, and George Campbell as centre-backs.
Isaac Price and Callum Styles played right and left wing-back, respectively, with Michael Johnston and Karlan Grant at right and left wing, respectively.
Ousmane Diakité and Jayson Molumby played in central midfield, while Aune Heggebø was up front.
Derby County In Possession Vs The Compact 5-4-1
One of the key themes throughout the game, and an area that Derby County will need to focus on if they are to become more consistent at Pride Park, was the lack of connection and fluid rotation when in settled possession.
This often led to a lack of vertical passing options and, more importantly, a situation that West Brom were able to manage and exploit throughout the first half.
West Bro
