What got you talking following Ipswich Town’s 1-0 home loss to Derby County?

East Anglian Daily Times: Daryl Murphy crosses as Johnny Russell tries to block during the Ipswich Town v Derby County (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 19 December 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.comDaryl Murphy crosses as Johnny Russell tries to block during the Ipswich Town v Derby County (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 19 December 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Ipswich were ‘gameplanned’

Was Derby’s the perfect away performance? They were tight at the back, dangerous on the break and took their chance when it came.

It’s easy to see why they have lost just once since the end of August and are the division’s form team, while the fact they didn’t have much of an answer in a very tight game shows the difference between Ipswich and the Championship’s elite.

Ryan Fraser provides a spark

Whether you are a fan of Ryan Fraser’s or not, it’s hard to argue he didn’t give the Blues a spark after coming off the bench just after the break. He hasn’t lost that yard of pace despite his injury lay-off, is always looking to run at goal and is constantly busy.

Sadly his workrate and general buzz didn’t create a goal, and his final ball perhaps needs to improve from today’s showing, but he was the most likely to make something happen.

Sears looks at home on the left

East Anglian Daily Times: Town manager Mick McCarthy waves his players forward as time runs out for Town in the Ipswich Town v Derby County (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 19 December 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.comTown manager Mick McCarthy waves his players forward as time runs out for Town in the Ipswich Town v Derby County (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 19 December 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

He’s playing out of position and would much rather be playing in a traditional striker’s role, but Freddie Sears more than does a job out wide. During the first half the former Colchester man’s driving runs from the left looked to be Ipswich’s most profitable method of attack. Sadly it ultimately produced nothing.

Ipswich have options, but Derby have more

The Blues bench was strong in this game, with the likes of Ryan Fraser, Tommy Oar, Luke Varney and Kevin Bru’s presence proving the Blues have a stronger squad than in recent years.

But Derby’s was something else. Chris Baird has 74 international caps, Darren Bent has 100 Premier League goals, Andi Weimann has starred for Aston Villa and Ryan Shotton is as solid as they come. This is what the Blues are competing with at the top end of the table.

Should Jacob Butterfield have been sent off?

After oddly deciding to tackle Cole Skuse with his head in the second half, the Derby midfielder jumped up and pushed the Ipswich midfielder as if angered by his decision to conventionally use his feet in the challenge. That was good for a yellow card.

He then seemingly tried to pull referee Keith Hill’s arm down as he tried to issue the caution. Dissent?

A welcome return for Luke Varney

Who would have thought, with so many underwhelmed when he originally signed for the club on loan last February, that the Portman Road faithful would be so glad to see him return.

His name was cheered when read out on the teamsheet pre-match, he was clapped when he warmed up and received a bigger ovation when he came on, showing how highly he is thought of.

Will Darren Bent ever play at Portman Road again?

For the second time this year, Darren Bent failed to get off the bench against his former club at Portman Road. Since leaving for Charlton in 2005, the striker has played against his boyhood club just once, scoring for Aston Villa in an FA Cup win at Villa Park in 2013, but has yet to feature at Portman Road.

Will it ever happen?

What got you talking?