Exeter manager Gary Caldwell wants his players to show more aggression after they were beaten 2-0 at Derby.
Caldwell saw his team lose for the sixth league game in a row as the Rams closed in on the play-off places.
Derby dominated for much of the match, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Max Bird orchestrating wave after wave of attacks.
Bird provided the pass that Mendez-Laing converted in the 30th minute and Derby should have had more to show for their dominance.
Exeter rarely threatened but the Rams had to wait until the 79th minute for the goal that sealed only a second home league win. Substitute Conor Washington cut in from the left before driving a low shot inside the near post.
Caldwell said: “We came with a game plan to be more aggressive than we were, it took us 15 minutes to get to grips with them and then during our best period we conceded a goal.
“The longer we kept it at 0-0 it could have helped us but we shoot ourselves in the foot again in a period when we are dominating and getting corners and keeping territory in their half.
“It’s a difficult moment, we all have to stick together, be better and look at ourselves in the mirror and come back ready to go again.
“I thought we lost too many duels and we have to make better decisions in the final third.
“We have to be more aggressive in the final third, I thought too many times when the ball came up there wasn’t enough aggression to hold it up, there wasn’t enough aggression to get at your man and that has to be addressed.”
Derby assistant head coach Richie Barker said: “I thought the performance was excellent, we were more than deserving of the win which probably should have been more convincing.
“But a good home win and a good clean sheet again, they never really troubled our goal to be honest so pleased for the back four and the goalkeeper, but I thought the lads were excellent and executed everything we asked of them.
“We’ve been working on certain runs from midfield over the last few weeks and I thought Max Bird was excellent.
“Without taking Nat’s (Mendez-Laing) thunder tonight, Birdy has probably been the most consistent player since he came back in the team and I was delighted he made the run we’ve been talking about.
“We won’t get carried away tonight and we didn’t get carried away on Saturday, so our job is to keep the players level-headed. They will definitely not be encouraged to go away and think we’ve cracked it tonight.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.16 remain at the Club World Cup And Man City are back. Will Messi PLAY in The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup FINAL? Thoughts SIMPLE QUESTION - Who will WIN The 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP? 'When will Cristiano retire?' In the last 16 of the Club World Cup: 🇪🇸 Real Madrid vs. Juventus 🇮🇹Heritage. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit:...
Chelsea are closing in on another attacking signing.Enzo Maresca is orchestrating a major rebuild of his squadChelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens. The Blues have made it their mission to bolster their forward line this summer, and the Englishman looks set to be a key part of their attacking rebuild.Enzo Maresca’s side have already welcomed...
Arsenal’s hopes of landing one of their top striker targets this summer have taken a significant blow, with BBC journalist Sami Mokbel stating that the Gunners have “less than a 2% chance” of completing the deal during this transfer window.Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are actively searching for a new centre-forward to add a clinical edge to the squad ahead of t...
Liverpool have agreed to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End.Woodman to slot in as third choice keeper28-year-old out of contract at PrestonGeorgian no.1 Mamardashvili joins Reds in JulyWHAT HAPPENED?Woodman, 28, made 22 appearances for the Championship side last season. His contract with Preston expires at the end of the month, allowing him to join the Reds o...
Bid rejected! Newcastle fail in £50m swoop for Brighton's PedroNewcastle United have seen a bold £50 million ($68m) offer for Brighton star Joao Pedro rejected, with Chelsea also circling the Brazilian forward. The Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid, but face stiff competition in the market for one of the Premier League’s most versatile and in-demand attackers.Brig...
FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-ASTON VILLAAston Villa feel no pressure to part company with young star Morgan Rogers, with the club telling suitors the player is not for sale.WHAT HAPPENED?A report by Mail Sport suggests the club would demand an offer in excess of £100m before they even consider an approach. That was the figure they commanded from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021. Asto...
Germany v Portugal - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalTeddy Sheringham has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for staying at the club, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.WHAT HAPPENED?The ex-United and Tottenham star was speaking to Racing Tipster. He spoke glowingly about Fernandes, and also praised the club for not cashing in on their ageing captain. According to Sherin...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueBryan Mbeumo has decided to join Manchester United, and has informed both Brentford and Tottenham of his intentions, per a new report.WHAT HAPPENED?After months of speculation, David Ornstein reports for The Atheltic that the Cameroonian forward has selected Manchester United as his next club. While it had been suggested a fee of £65m ...
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier LeagueCristian Romero’s absence from Tottenham Hotspurs’ 2024-25 kit launch video has sparked fresh hope for Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the Argentina defender. Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is pushing for a deal this summer, but Spurs are standing firm on their £60 million ($82.2m) valuation despite reports of financia...
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier LeagueTottenham and West Ham are both considering swoops for Aston Villa's £40 million-rated midfielder Jacob Ramsey.WHAT HAPPENED?Mail Sport understands Villa are open to selling Ramsey, as he would represent pure profit on their balance sheet against the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. While Spurs and West Ham are interested ...
- 1 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 2 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 3 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 4 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 5 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 6 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 7 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 8 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 9 Daily Laugh - And Man City are back.
- 10 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit