John Eustace endured a miserable birthday as Derby County’s horrific start to the season continued as they were beaten 4-0 at home by Norwich City.

After shipping three goals at Millwall inside 20 minutes, Norwich also took a 3-0 lead into the interval to wrap up the victory in another game marred by pitiful defending.

Anthony Musaba rifled in the opener after just eight minutes when Jack Stacey was afforded too much time to cross which led to the forward snaffling the rebound after Darlin Yongwa’s shot was saved.

That was enough to snap the patience of the fans as boos erupted and Norwich then made it 2-0 when Paris Maghoma cut inside from the right-hand side and found the bottom corner which sparked further boos on the terraces.

And Eustace, who turned 47 today, then watched as Norwich made it 3-0 when another cross from the right-hand side was not dealt with and it allowed Yongwa to lash into the bottom corner.

Carlton Morris did have a shot after the break when he saw a header saved by Daniel Grimshaw in what was a rare moment of excitement for the fans.

And it was left to Jovon Makama to lash in the fourth as he smashed in via the underside of the bar with a thumping finish from just outside the box.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: In fairness, it could have been much worse had it not been for the Sweden international who made a couple of excellent saves. 6

Isaac Gordon: Exceptionally tough game for the academy full-back to come into but at least he ran, he tried and one tackle in the first half went rewarded with a huge ovation from the fans. 5

Ryan Nyambe: Another game, and another defensive disasterclass in the first half which led to the Canaries taking a 3-0 lead into the interval. Just another sorry night. 3

Dion Sanderson: The centre-back returned to the team and it was a night to forget for the ex-Birmingham man as Derby slipped to another humbling defeat. 3

Max Johnston: Played left-back this time, but didn’t get close enough to stop Jack Stacey crossing for the first goal which arrived after only eight minutes. A night to forget. 3

Oscar Fraulo: Midfield was too easy to play against and just couldn’t keep pace with Norwich especially when they broke. Visitors had a field day. 3

Alex Mowatt: David Ozoh’s injury meant he was afforded a start, but he simply didn’t get on the ball which is his strength. Off the ball just didn’t have enough spite. 2

Sam Szmodics: Put in a tackle in the left-back position which showed he was willing to put his body on the line. One of the very few players who had a bit of bite. 3

Bobby Clark: For him to thrive you need to have the ball. Doesn’t relish the physical battle and didn’t have any impact on the game at all. Derby need him to sharpen up and quickly. 3

Henrik Meister: Just looks like he needs to be coached through every minute. Has yet to learn not to put his hands on defenders and conceded some needless free-kicks. 2

Carlton Morris: Captain looks nowhere near the level of last season, although in fairness he hardly gets any service at all. Must be despairing right now. Went close with a header in the second half. 3

Subs

Lewis Travis (Fraulo 45): At least he’s back fit. 3

Jack Robinson (Gordon 45): Played left-back and was fuming that nobody challenged for his long throw. 3

Mo Fuseini (Mowatt 45): Did some things that were okay, but made some unforced errors. 3

Filip Bilbija (Szmodics 64): Had some touches. 3

Rhian Brewster (Meister 73): Didn’t make a dent on the game but it was already lost. 3

What was your verdict on the game? Have your say HERE

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