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Eustace responds to Derby defeat and what wasn't 'ideal' in Charlton loss

· Leigh Curtis · 2026-08-15T17:35:59+00:00 · nguồn gốc

John Eustace rued two "sloppy" moments as Derby County lost their opening Championship game of the season against Charlton Athletic this afternoon. Derby were ahead at half-time of the curtain-raiser, owing to a terrific finish from Sam Szmodics, who scored his second goal in as many games. But Charlton turned the game on its head in the second half as Lloyd Jones levelled with a header before Tyreece Campbell struck with 10 minutes remaining. Reflecting on the game, Eustace said: "I was really disappointed to lose. "I didn't think there was much in the game. I thought we limited Charlton to no chances, really, so the two goals that we conceded were really sloppy from a defensive point of view. If you want to pick up points, we've got to be better than that. For the first goal, we didn't stop the cross; we didn't defend the cross itself, and it was too easy for the lad to get the header. "Obviously, for the second goal, we were in a really good position in their area, and we just didn't get our defensive structure correct behind the ball. There was a little lack of communication, and even then, when we get back into our shape, we've got to defend the shot better. It's disappointing, but we move on." Derby played a back five with Matt Clarke absent due to a calf problem. Craig Forsyth came in at centre-back while Charlie Taylor made his senior bow after his free transfer from Southampton. And Eustace added: "Listen, that's the first time that team has played together. "There were some tired legs in there. We've got Fozzie in at centre-back who's 38 and doing terrific really. It's not ideal preparation obviously with the players there, but the effort and the attitude of the group was sensational as it always is."