Wayne Rooney issues honest response after Derby County fall to late defeat against QPR | OneFootball

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Football League World

·30 November 2021

Wayne Rooney issues honest response after Derby County fall to late defeat against QPR

Article image:Wayne Rooney issues honest response after Derby County fall to late defeat against QPR

Andre Gray’s stunning 90th minute strike meant that QPR took all three points back to West London on their visit to Pride Park last night.

Tom Lawrence opened the scoring for the hosts with a terrific strike into the top corner after latching onto Graeme Shinnie’s defence-splitting pass.


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QPR’s in-form magician Chris Willock restored parity with an intelligent finish, with the R’s dominating the latter exchanges.

With 90 minutes on the clock, the 30-year-old turned and volleyed an effort into the corner to send the R’s to third in the Championship standings.

Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Wayne Rooney delivered his verdict on last night’s clash: “I have said to the boys in the last few weeks we will lose games. Let’s not get carried away when we win games, but also when we lose.

Quiz: 30 questions about some of Derby County’s best ever goalkeepers – Can you score 100% correct?

“It is a setback, but we know this division. A week can make a big difference. We have to keep fighting, keep pushing.

“I am open and honest with the players. I have said to the lads there is a possibility we will be in League One, let’s not get away from that, we all know that, but it is an opportunity for these lads to show their character, their fighting spirit.

“They have done that and I have no doubts they will continue to do that. We will keep fighting. In this Championship strange things happen.”

The verdict

Derby have been excellent over the last few weeks but will be disappointed to have lost all three points against the R’s last night.

Rooney needs to ensure that this never too high, never too low, attitude is instilled in his players if they are to escape the relegation places as the season progresses.

Derby are now 19 points from safety, and whilst they have shown glimpses of real promise this season, they are in a very difficult position from their respective points deductions.

The Rams are showing tremendous spirit and fight, whilst they are also introducing some exciting young talents into the squad.

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