Derby County 5-1 Blackpool: 5 Things We Learned

A five-star second half showing from Derby County saw them come from behind against fellow promotion hopefuls Blackpool and make it five Championship wins in a row.

Steve McClaren now has seven victories in nine matches since returning to the Rams as head coach. County are the form side in their division and sit fourth in the table €“ sandwiched between East Midlands rivals Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.

Derby outthought, outfought and outclassed Paul Ince's outfit as Blackpool collapsed into losing their full complement of XI for the second successive game. It was clinical stuff from the hosts at Pride Park as they laid down another big marker.

But don't take my word for it. McClaren himself agreed after winning three encounters in less than a week:

"I think we've learned more from the players in these last six days than the last six weeks."

Here are five notable points to come out of County and Blackpool's contest.

5. Makeshift Blackpool Defence Falls Apart

The old saying goes the foolish man built his house on sand. Biblical parables are not usually relevant to football, but this one fits the bill nicely here.

Blackpool were short of central defensive options as both Kirk Broadfoot and Gary MacKenzie missed the trip to Derby through suspension. That meant square pegs in round holes were inevitable.

It's ironic that Ince's side just about kept County at bay in the first half. Neal Bishop €“ a midfielder filling in at right back €“ made some fantastic blocks, but still ended up getting sent off.

Chris Basham, who has played wide right, at fullback and in midfield, partnered left back Jack Robinson at centre half. Both were at fault for the first two Rams goals.