It was another disappointing weekend for Derby County, who are now preparing for their eighth league game of the campaign after winning just one of their opening seven matches.

Phillip Cocu's side have made a stuttering start to the season, and have failed to record a victory since their opening game against Huddersfield Town.

The Rams have since picked up just three points at Pride Park after drawing three of their first four games on their home turf, following a stalemate with Cardiff City on Friday night.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Cocu's side, whose early lead through Scott Malone was cancelled out by a controversial penalty shout - Robert Glatzel converting from 12 yards to level the scores for the Bluebirds.

It was clearly a frustrating night for Derby, with Tom Lawrence picking up his fifth yellow card in seven games meaning that he is unavailable for the trip to Leeds next weekend, and Cocu taking a dig at Neil Warnock's style of play after the game.

Speaking to Rams TV after the game, the Dutchman criticised Cardiff's direct, physical brand of football, saying: "We had to deal with a team who doesn’t really want to play.

"They are extremely direct, so we have to be physical. I told the boys after the game that I’m proud of the way we fought them and how we tried to play as much as possible to get the ball down."

But as the old saying goes - if you can't beat them, join them. Plenty of Derby fans - particularly on social media - have been urging Cocu to change the way his side goes about things, having scored two goals from open play at home this season.

Friday night also saw Chris Martin make his first appearance for the Rams since January 2018 - the Scot came on as a late substitute to replace Jack Marriott up top.

Martin brings something different to the Derby front-line - he uses his physical prowess to full effect, and is known for his aerial ability and power up front, making him a perfect option if Derby were to revert to long-ball football.

Cocu shouldn't completely change his style of play to direct "hoofball" by any means, but when the chips are down and you need the ball to stick up top, Martin is that man, and he would suit that system.

He gives Derby a different dimension up top, and with nothing else seemingly working, a change could be beneficial for Derby.

Most fans are still sticking by their manager and are prepared to give him time, but the Rams look short of ideas going forward at present, and without Tom Lawrence to choose from this weekend, it shouldn't get any easier for Cocu.

They have plenty of quality on paper, but getting them to play out on the grass is what's most important.