Ian Walker – 7
Only had to make one real save in the game when City switched off momentarily. Commanded his box with more authority than in recent games.
Alan Maybury - 8
Looked much more comfortable playing right back. Defended well and raided down the right to support Hughes.
Darren Kenton – 8
Played in his natural position of centre back where he dominated Derby striker Rasiak. Won almost everything in the air and provided much needed pace in the back line for City to compress the play higher up the pitch.
Patrick McCarthy – 8
Stuck to his task well of marking pacey striker Tommy Smith.
Jordan Stewart – 7
Returned back in to the side and provided some much needed width down the left. Defended well generally, apart from a few occasions where he let Reich glide past him to get crosses in. Encouragingly, his final ball/cross looks to have improved.
Stephen Hughes – 7
Again showed some classy touches on the ball, but is somewhat wasted playing on the right wing.
Gareth Williams – 6
Doesn’t always seem to be continually involved in the play. He’ll have a patch where he’ll get hold of the ball and look threatening, then goes missing.
Lilian Nalis – 8
Dominated the midfield and left future England prospect Tom Huddlestone in his wake. Played some lovely passes and put some crunching tackles in too.
Danny Tiatto – 7
Drifted in far too much in to midfield, but it allowed City to get a foothold in there and dominate the play.
David Connolly – 8
Caused Derby a number of problems throughout the game. Showed great skill to pull down a high ball coming over his head to coolly slot home his 12th goal of the season.
Dion Dublin – 8*
A true leaders performance upfront. Showed a great first touch when pulling the ball down and setting up attacks. Worked extremely hard in closing down the Derby back four.
Substitutes:
Gudjonsson – 5
Brought on by Levein to close the game out. Ran around a bit to not much effect.