Maghoma Shines Again as Norwich Thump Dismal Derby

Paris Maghoma scored his third goal in three games as Norwich City thumped hopeless Derby County 0-4 at Pride Park in the EFL Championship.

Injuries ravage both sides, but Norwich’s fine form continues, making it three consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Derby fall further into the bottom three with only one win in 14 games.

Maghoma was instrumental throughout the match. He and his Norwich teammates continue to hit the form they showed throughout last season after Philippe Clement’s appointment almost a year ago.

Canaries keep soaring

On the back of two straight victories scoring three goals in each of those games, it was a certainty that tonight’s match would have plenty of goals.

The away side started on the front foot and took the lead in the eighth minute. Jack Stacey’s cross found Darlin Yongwa at the far post, whose subsequent header was saved into the path of Fenerbahçe loanee Anthony Musaba, who steered home the rebound.

Maghoma doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a splendid solo goal. The attacking midfielder weaved between Derby’s midfield before shifting the ball between his feet and striking it into the bottom left corner.

Stacey almost added a third moments later; the right-back was expertly played through by Maghoma but saw his shot hit the post and was cleared off the line.

It wasn’t long until the Norwich fans were celebrating again. Andre Brooks beat his man before sliding a ball across the penalty area for the arriving Yongwa to slam home his first goal in Yellow and Green.

The Cameroonian left-back was a free agent in the summer, picked up by Norwich to cover for injuries. The 26-year-old has been an utter delight for fans to watch thus far.

Derby fans began to head for the exits, and those who stayed, unsurprisingly, booed their side off at the interval.

Despite an improved second half, the Rams conceded a fourth goal. The returning Jovon Makama picked up the ball around the 20-yard mark before turning and unleashing a rocket past Derby’s keeper.

Makama continued to be a nuisance and should’ve had a penalty after being wrestled to the ground by two Derby defenders.

A third straight victory for Norwich sees them climb closer to the play-off zone. As for Derby, they look like a side destined for a relegation battle.

Norwich also registered their first clean sheet in 24 matches in tonight’s victory.

Eustace takes responsibility for the defeat, but is it all on him?

Derby manager John Eustace told BBC Sport, “Tactically I got it wrong tonight, and I’ll take full responsibility for the performance.”

“I’m confident I can turn things around. I’m certainly not giving up-  it’s a tough period, but when we get through it eventually, it’ll make us stronger again.

He had to field a 12th different back four of the season in tonight’s match. Defensive woes are not being helped by not being able to field a consistent side due to the amount of injuries.

Eustace can not be blamed for the injury crisis and lack of investment in the squad over the summer window. His side were well within the play-off race last season, which ultimately ended at the hands of Norwich in a defeat at Carrow Road in April.

The manager can only work with the tools he’s provided with. The side lacks confidence at the moment but still has a solid core in the team, which includes Bobby Clark, who had an excellent campaign last season.

Derby next host Bolton on Friday 6th November, facing an in-form side who beat Charlton Athletic today.

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