Derby County got their 2025/26 Championship campaign underway in an underwhelming fashion as they were beaten 3-1 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

The Rams struggled to create any sort of threat in the first-half of the clash in Staffordshire, failing to register a shot as Viktor Johansson enjoyed a relaxing 45 minutes.

However, after getting the seal of approval from Paul Warne, Carlton Morris opened his account for the East Midlands outfit on the hour mark as he superbly got onto the end of a Corey Blackett-Taylor cross and fired the ball into the back of the net.

However, Stoke equalised through an excellent Lewis Baker strike soon after before two goals in added time handed the home side all three points with goals from Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas, making it clear where Derby need to improve.

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Derby County must bring in two more quality wing options

The Rams have already made 10 signings so far this summer, but the main focus has been on stocking up the midfield and bringing in quality options in the striker position.

While this plan has worked, it is clear to see that Eustace is lacking a real threat on both wings, with Kayden Jackson struggling to keep up with Blackett-Taylor’s form, which he has carried over from pre-season.

However, the latter went down with an issue in the second-half, and if this is going to lead to another significant period of time on the treatment table, then Derby have to sign two more wingers to add depth to that area of the pitch.

Eustace remains keen on playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, but if he does not have quality out wide, this will not work. Morris was one of few positives against Stoke, but he was not as much of a threat as he should have been with a lack of service throughout.

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John Eustace will be concerned by the Rams’ lack of creativity

The Potters had much more of the ball at the bet365 Stadium, and while they did not open Derby up as frequently as they would have hoped in the first-half, their patience paid off in the end.

For Eustace’s side, they lacked creativity throughout, having just three shots all game, with only two of those finding the target.

Derby found it tough to find any fluidity in Staffordshire, and at times they gave up possession too cheaply, allowing Stoke to get themselves back on level terms before eventually taking all three points.

Without finding new wingers, this season could be more awkward than first imagined for the Rams. However, patience is a virtue in the East Midlands. Players will be returning from injury in the next five weeks to help bolster the squad, while the transfer window remains open until 1 September.