It's been a tough start for Gianfranco Zola at Birmingham City and things haven't become any easier, after their loss to Derby County on Sunday afternoon.

In a game where the Blues really struggled to get out of first gear in, the home side were good value for the three points in the 1-0 win.

It was a Darren Bent penalty that decided matters on the day, after Birmingham captain Michael Morrison gave away a needless foul in the box during the second half.

But for the Rams, it's another win that sees them edge closer to the play-offs as their terrific run under returning manager Steve McClaren continues.

So with both teams enjoying mixed runs of late, what exactly did we notice during the game at the IPro Stadium?

With that in mind, here are three things we learned as Derby beat Birmingham City 1-0 on Sunday afternoon...

Zola will have to be patient

In a frustrating, tight-knit affair at Pride Park, Birmingham struggled to get out of their own half throughout most of the game and in honesty, Derby deserved all three points.

But what was clearer more than anything was the fact Gianfranco Zola will need some time to get his ideas across to this group of players. They're a robust, hard-working unit that won't be used to the things the Italian is trying to get across.

This is going to take time, investment in the sort of players he wants and perhaps most importantly, patience from the supporters.

Birmingham are lacking a little imagination

Birmingham failed to register a shot on target in the defeat and at times, Zola's side were lacking that edge of creativity that Derby had in their ranks.

The likes of Hughes, Ince and Russell were always a threat throughout whilst the Blues forward line was a little static and unimaginative throughout.

Perhaps it's a difference in transfer budgets but it's very clear if Birmingham are going to continue with their push for the top-six, they need some quality to come in this January.

Derby are genuine promotion contenders

Derby controlled the game, did what they had to do and came away from a potentially tricky encounter with all three points. Had they not got the penalty, they might not have won the game but unfortunately for Michael Morrison, the decision was as clear as the day.

They're now 9 games unbeaten, having won seven consecutive clean sheets at home. McClaren has done a fantastic job in turning things around at Pride Park and he's got the supporters back onside after a tricky couple of months.

There's certainly light at the end of the tunnel for the Rams.