Derby County celebrated a triumphant 3-0 victory at Pride Park, ending Bristol City’s unbeaten start to the Championship season.
Despite several opportunities, City couldn’t breach the defence of Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who made crucial saves to deny Sinclair Armstrong on two occasions. The breakthrough came when Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn netted his first goal for Derby.
Zetterstrom continued his impressive performance with another key save from Armstrong early in the second half. Derby capitalized on the momentum when Kayden Jackson, fresh off his decisive goal against Middlesbrough two weeks prior, scored the second goal.
Midfielder David Ozoh completed the scoring in the final minutes, marking his first goal for Derby with an impressive finish.
Former Derby players Max Bird and Jason Knight featured for Bristol City, while deadline-day signings Ned Phillips and Marcus Harness were not included in Derby’s squad.
City had an early chance when Armstrong sprinted down the left, but Zetterstrom made a crucial save at his near post and then blocked the rebound. Bird set up Scott Twine for a shot that was deflected for a corner, and Armstrong’s pace nearly broke Derby’s defense, but Zetterstrom intervened again.
Derby’s attack gained momentum in the 26th minute when Nathaniel Mendez-Laing surged forward and set up Goudmijn, whose low drive was blocked by City’s Max O’Leary. However, Goudmijn found the net two minutes later with a deflected shot that beat O’Leary and hit the post.
City almost equalized in the 35th minute, but Curtis Nelson’s block kept Derby ahead at the break.
Armstrong continued to threaten, forcing a sharp save from Zetterstrom shortly after halftime. Derby extended their lead on the hour mark when Jerry Yates set up Jackson, who scored with a precise right-footed shot from 15 yards.
The goal rattled City, and Derby nearly scored again in the 65th minute when Mendez-Laing’s shot hit the post. Yates also struck the post in the 75th minute, while Zetterstrom kept City from closing the gap with a save from Twine’s free-kick.
City’s hopes were dashed in the 89th minute when Ozoh pounced on the rebound after O’Leary saved Ebou Adams’ shot, sealing Derby’s comprehensive victory.
