Derby County boss Phillip Cocu has a slight dig at Sheffield Wednesday's style of play

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu admitted Sheffield Wednesday were able to disrupt their play in the first half, commenting on the direct style of play offered by Garry Monk’s men.
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The Owls played two up front throughout the Pride Park clash, with Jordan Rhodes partnering in-form striker Steven Fletcher in attack.

And the move paid dividends early doors as the away side dominated the early stages of the game, taking the lead through Fletcher just after the half-hour.

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Dutch legend Cocu, who’s side were booed off by a section of their support at half-time, conceded Wednesday’s style limited their efforts to begin with.

“Their tactical choice was to play direct but they didn’t want us to play football,” he said.

“It took us 30 minutes to find a good way on the ball and that’s a long time. You have to realise that you need to put in more effort & be more aggressive.”

The Rams improved in the second period and took a share of the points through Chris Martin after Moses Odubajo was adjudged to have fouled Jack Marriott in the penalty area.

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A relieved Cocu said: “I’m very pleased with the second half and it confirms to me that we can do it.

“You have to find a way to get a result and in the second half we were much better.

“We played with passion, played with danger & I thought we deserved to win in the end.”