A tale of two matches: Rams respond to Norwich nightmare

[BBC] Derby players piled on top of Ryan Nyambe who scored his first ever career goal on his 312th professional appearance [Shutterstock] Before the Rams faced Norwich on Tuesday, the message from the fanbase was clear: Derby just needed to show some pride and provide something to believe in. They failed, miserably. Heading into half-time 3-0 down, with very little fight, character or desire shown, boos rang around Pride Park as supporters headed for the exits. With Norwich taking their foot off the gas in the second half, the Rams were probably let off the hook and lucky to only concede once more. A night to forget. Four goals conceded in back-to-back games, seven points from safety, and John Eustace's future in doubt more than ever. There had rightfully been criticism of the club from top to bottom following that result. Eustace was criticised for playing academy product Isaac Gordon at right-back, leaving him exposed, whilst the experienced Ryan Nyambe played at centre-back. A back five, or swapping Gordon and Nyambe, might have offered the youngster better protection. The players were criticised for their lack of effort. For large parts of the first half, the Rams didn't look like they were trying. Players failed to sprint back, close the ball down or make tackles. The lack of fight and belief fell well below the standards Derby County supporters expect. Finally, Stephen Pearce. From his involvement in the Mel Morris disaster - with the former owner putting the club into administration in 2021 - to questionable recruitment decisions, a constant lack of accountability for his failings, and even the current injury crisis. Supporters' frustrations with him have only grown over recent years, and have now started to reach boiling point. From kick-off on Tuesday evening until nine o'clock on Friday night, the Rams felt like a lost cause. So what changed? To start with, Eustace fielded a team with balance and trust. Nyambe returned to right-back, with Jack Robinson and Shane Duffy bringing leadership, experience and organisation to the defensive line. Mohammed Fuseini provided pace and an attacking outlet, whilst Rhian Brewster's natural technical ability made a massive difference. The players fought hard. Derby beat Bolton to ease pressure on Eustace How 'calm' Eustace got the result he needed for Derby Unlike Tuesday, the Rams worked their socks off. Tackles flew in, communication was there for all to see, and players bust a gut to track back and pressure Bolton. Despite their improved efforts, the Rams still headed into the interval a goal down. However, the comparison to Tuesday night's display gave Pride Park that belief they'd been crying out for, with many feeling Derby were still in the game. Five minutes into the second half, the Rams were leading. Two quick-fire goals from unlikely scorers sent Pride Park into raptures. Nyambe scored his first career goal in over 300 attempts, before Robinson doubled the lead from a well-worked header just three minutes later. Crucially, the players now looked like they wanted to play for Eustace. Whatever was said at half-time had clearly galvanised the squad. The Rams still had work to do, calling upon Jacob Widell Zetterström to make several impressive saves as Bolton pushed for an equaliser. The players continued to battle though, despite looking out on their feet, and as Bolton threw the kitchen sink at it Brewster nicked the ball high up the pitch and sprinted towards goal in the closing stages. Bedlam. Eustace's emotion poured out, the players celebrated with him, and for the first time since 25 April, Derby had finally won a game at home. Despite the joy, there is still a bigger picture. The Rams remain 23rd in the Championship and face two difficult away games after the international break. Performances have not been good enough, Eustace's tactical decisions have at times been questionable, and winning just twice in the opening 15 matches remains unacceptable. That being said, if Friday night showed anything, it's that these players want to play for their manager. It's now over to David Clowes, Leigh Bromby and Pearce to decide whether that's good enough going forward, or if a change is still needed before the Rams return in two weeks' time. Latest Derby County news, analysis and fan views