John Eustace wants his Derby County players to “step up and take responsibility” in the final third after they were beaten by 10-man West Bromwich Albion tonight. Aune Heggebo’s goal in the first half was enough to seal the win for the visitors who moved top of the league after having Brayann Pereira sent off in the 34th minute.

Derby faced 10 men for an hour but failed to seriously test Max O’Leary, with Lars-Jorgen Salvesen heading over and Henrik Meister going close at the death after coming off the bench.

There was a lot of graft, but little craft and Eustace said: “I am obviously frustrated. I thought we started the game really well. Even when we went one goal down, I thought the whole of the first half was a real positive, from my point of view.

“The lads did exactly what I wanted them to do, especially from a defensive shape and the way we wanted to press and go about our business. That was pleasing. Obviously, we had a couple of chances in the first half which we just couldn’t put away. In the second half, West Brom defended really well, and I’m disappointed that we couldn’t break them down.

“I just need a bit more quality, probably in the lads, to really step up and take responsibility for trying to make something happen. We got into some really good areas. I think we put two or three great crosses in, and I think Lars had a couple of chances, and Henrik had one there at the end as well. We have got to keep working in that final third area, and I’m sure it will come.”

Eustace did throw on an extra striker in a bid to win the game, and Eustace explained that’s why he substituted David Ozoh midway in the second half.

“There was a bit of tiredness, but it was tactical as well,” said Eustace.

“We wanted to put another striker on, and I thought David was excellent for an hour. Hopefully, he’ll have saved his legs for Saturday now.”

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