Here’s how the Rams rated as they faced the Swans at Pride Park where they were aiming for a first home league win since January 1
16:55, 14 Feb 2026Updated 17:15, 14 Feb 2026
Patrick Agyemang of Derby County scores against Swansea City(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
Goals from Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang moved Derby County into the Championship play-off positions as they beat Swansea 2-0 at Pride Park.
While Swansea enjoyed large bouts of possession, Derby goalkeeper Josh Vickers remained largely untroubled until the second half when he had to make a save to thwart Malick Yalcouye.
Derby had started the game with some purpose and won a free-kick right on the edge of the box.
The ball was worked to Sam Szmodics whose effort was cleared but it didn’t matter as the referee’s assistant raised his flag.
Joe Ward was next to try his luck and this time forced a good save from Lawrence Vigouroux who got down to his left to prevent Derby from taking the lead.
Swansea then controlled possession for large spells with Ji-Sung Eom a particular nuisance with his movement.
Ward had to block a shot from Eom before Liam Cullen bent a free-kick just inches wide of the top corner. Eom then cut inside from the left with the space opening up in front of him but curled his shot wide of the upright.
Derby knew they needed to improve in the final third after the break and when Szmodics’ deflected shot went behind for a corner, Derby moved in front.
Callum Elder’s delivery was curled into the box where Brewster’s header came back to him and he drilled the follow-up past Vigouroux. It was to get better for Derby when Agyemang made it 2-0 with a towering header from another Elder delivery.
At the other end, Vickers had to be alert to thwart Malick Yalcouye but it was Derby who came closest to adding to the scoreline as Agyemang went close with a header before Jaydon Banel forced a save from Vigouroux.
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Here’s how the players rated….
Josh Vickers: Made a good save in the second half when he denied Malick Yalcouye, one of the rare times he was actually tested. Did fine. 6
Joe Ward: Had Derby’s best chance in the first half when he curled a free-kick to the far post, which forced a save from the goalkeeper. Showed good energy levels too. 7
Dion Sanderson: The centre-back had a fine game on his return to the team following a calf problem. Took little risk and did what was required. Swansea got little change from him. 8
Matt Clarke: Had a bit of a rush of blood in the second half when he got a booking, but other than that, was dependable in the heart of the defence. 6
Callum Elder: Back after a knee injury and Derby scored two goals from his set-piece deliveries. Saw more of him as an attacking threat in the second half. 7
Oscar Fraulo: His first start in the league, and the young Danish midfielder found the game a struggle at times to be fair. Just seemed to pass him by. He’ll learn. 5
David Ozoh: Usually looks after the ball really well, but he got caught a couple of times in the first half as the midfield struggled. Improved significantly after half-time. 6
Ben Brereton Diaz: The Chile international made a couple of driving runs and works so hard for the cause both offensively and defensively. Leaves everything out there. 6
Sam Szmodics: Made his debut after his arrival from Ipswich, but other than a shot early on had a quiet first half. Had a snap shot after the break which won the corner for the goal. 6
Rhian Brewster: Most of his best work came in his own half during the opening 45 minutes, but showed sharp reactions early after the break to give the Rams the lead. 7
Patrick Agyemang: Started off like he meant business but became increasingly frustrated in the first half. Shrugged that off to score his 10th goal of the season with a super header and could have scored more. 8
Subs
Bobby Clark (Brewster 72): Looked lively. 6
Liam Thompson (Fraulo 72): Buzzed around. 6
Jaydon Banel (Szmodics 87): Nearly scored. N/A
Lars-Jorgen Salvesen (Agyemang 87): Chased a lost cause. N/A
Carlton Morris (Brereton Diaz): Great to see him back. N/A
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