AN unlikely twist to Derby County's form provided a discussion point in the opening month of the season.
Away results the previous season had been dire and yet the new campaign started with impressive wins at Brighton & Hove Albion and Yeovil Town and a workmanlike display in beating Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park in the Capital One Cup.
The quality of football played at Brighton and Yeovil was controlled but progressive, highlighted when a move of 20-odd passes was finished off by midfielder Craig Bryson for the Rams' second goal in a 3-0 win.
Off the mark, Bryson went on to enjoy by far his best season for goals.Chris Martin was quick out of the blocks and scored five goals in August including the two that sank Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Derby crushed Brentford 5-0 at home in the next round of the League Cup but failed to win any of their three home Championship matches against Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and Burnley.
Rovers levelled in the 89th minute through Leon Best and an unfortunate own goal resulted in Leicester leaving with the three points, a game from which the Rams deserved to take something.
There was nothing to choose between the two sides on the day and yet Leicester would emerge from the season as the division's top team.
New signing Johnny Russell converted a penalty against Blackburn with some conviction and the Scottish striker also scored at Yeovil but his spot kick against Burnley was saved with the visitors two up and under pressure.
It was key moment and Burnley went on to win 3-0.
By adopting a more fluid system than a rigid 4-4-2, Derby's football was easy on the eye.
They went 4-3-3 midway through the first half of the opening fixture against Blackburn and we saw a 4-3-1-2 system or diamond shape in midfield at Brighton and Yeovil.
The football was enjoyable and winning on the road was a welcome change but Derby needed a home win in the League.
