The Rams were in action against the Hornets today as John Eustace’s side looked to retain their place in the Championship’s top six
17:06, 21 Feb 2026Updated 17:24, 21 Feb 2026
Watford’s Luca Kjerrumgaard (left) scores against Derby County
Derby County slipped out of the Championship’s top six as the Rams fell to a 2-0 defeat at Watford.
Luca Kjerrumgaard had given the hosts the lead early on before Mamadou Doumbia wrapped up the points for the Hornets in stoppage time.
Edo Kayembe took the opportunity with a neat first touch to take a shot which was blocked by Matt Clarke, but the loose ball ran to Luca Kjerrumgaard who rifled past Josh Vickers.
Derby attempted to launch an immediate response as Callum Elder swung a cross over from the left which was collected by Sammie Szmodics who dragged his shot wide of the post.
Joe Ward then whipped a terrific free-kick into the box that just needed a touch for an equaliser, but nobody threw themselves at what was a wicked delivery.
The Ipswich loanee took aim but dragged his shot wide of the far post. A mistake from Joe Ward then allowed Giorgi Chakvetadze to have a strike at goal, which Vickers collected easily.
Kayembe then struck off target before the break as Ward then struck wide from distance early in the second half. Vickers then had to be alert to deny Nestory Irankunda at the expense of a corner which came to nothing.
Vickers was then required to keep out another effort from Irankunda who had raced onto the pitch while having treatment, a decision that angered Derby once play had calmed down.
Derby created very little going forward and Mamadou Doumbia wrapped the game up with a finish from close range.
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Josh Vickers: Power of the shot beat him for the opening goal, but his kicking was a little bit off in the first half with one pass going out of play. Made a good save in the second half. 7
Joe Ward: Was probably glad to see Othmane Maamma go off after the winger gave him the slip in the build-up to the first goal. Then got caught in possession later on in the first half that led to a Watford chance. 4.5
Dion Sanderson: Got a bit unfortunate with the goal as he made a block with Clarke to stop the initial shot, but then the loose ball was rammed home. 4.5
Matt Clarke: Took a booking for a foul in the first half in what was a poor first-half performance from Derby who had plenty of the ball but didn’t do much with it. 4.5
Callum Elder: Had a few crosses from the left, one of which saw Sammie Szmodics drill wide of the far post. Was subbed in the second half. A yellow card might have influenced that decision. 4.5
Lewis Travis: The skipper returned to the team, but just seemed unable to give Derby any momentum in the first half as Watford were very quick to second balls. Just didn’t seem at the races. 4
David Ozoh: Watford were very well organised without the ball and the midfield couldn’t seem to disrupt them and exert any real influence in the first half. Ozoh just couldn’t find that spark. 4
Ben Brereton Diaz: The industry was there, but the front players struggled to make an impact in the first half as Watford were content to let Derby have the ball and they couldn’t unpick the lock. 4.5
Sammie Szmodics: Had one shot in the first half that he dragged wide of the post but as one of the attacking players, struggled to lay a dent on the Watford defence. 4
Rhian Brewster: Struggled to make any headway against the Watford defence and his best work seemed to be heading back towards his own goal. 4
Patrick Agyemang: He was a willing runner, but Watford denied him the space due to how they were set-up. Ensured there was little room for him to run into. 4.5
Subs
Bobby Clark (Ozoh 60): Was tough for the subs as it was for the starting XI. 5
Carlton Morris (Brewster 60): Good to see him back clearly needs time to get up to speed. 5
Derry Murkin (Elder 60): Made a good tackle late on. 5
Oscar Fraulo (Brereton Diaz 78): Didn’t cause too many problems. 5
Cruz Allen (Travis 90): Not enough time to make an impression. N/A