Derby County's poor start to the season continued last night in the Sky Bet Championship as a fine strike from Joao Pedro gave Watford the three points in a 1-0 win.

In truth, it was a game low on quality and Pedro's goal from the edge of the box, swirling into the net, was a much-needed stroke of class in the second half.

For Derby, it was a frustrating night as they made it four losses from their opening five games in the second tier, with a lack of real goal-scoring opportunities naturally being put under the spotlight.

Whether Jack Marriott would have played is up for debate but, naturally, after he was left to go on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, many were scrutinising the decision.

Phillip Cocu, then, explained to the Derbyshire Telegraph what the thinking is behind it:

"I think for Jack it is the best solution for him to get back in the form and the way he can play, and also for the club I think it was the best at this moment. That's why we did it."

The Verdict

Marriott didn't really get much of a look in under Cocu but Derby now look short on strikers and it remains to be seen what they're going to do to get on with it in the coming months.

Wayne Rooney played through the middle last night and had one good chance when put through but he fired wide and Cocu may well hope the England record scorer can find his shooting boots sharpish.