Derby County’s losing run can only end when their goal-shy performances do, according to boss Paul Warne.
The Rams have scored two goals in a five-match losing league run that has them only one place and one point above the Championship relegation places.
Derby’s leading scorer Jerry Yates got one of those two goals – in their 4-2 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday more than three weeks ago – to take his tally to six this term.
“If you don’t score home or away you are just not going to pick up points,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby.
“I do think that is the big driving force that we need to focus on.”
After Yates in Derby’s scoring chart are Ebou Adams and Kayden Jackson with four goals apiece across all competitions.
It is also how many own goals Derby have profited from in the league this season.
Striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen was signed from Norwegian top-flight club Viking to bolster the attack, although last season’s top scorer James Collins was allowed to leave Pride Park for League One side Lincoln City after the addition.
Salvesen made his debut off the bench in Tuesday’s defeat by Sunderland, and quickly lived up to his billing as a target man by twice testing Black Cats goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Derby visit fellow strugglers Cardiff City – who are one spot and point above the Rams – on Saturday.
“We will attack the game, we will be as aggressive as we can and we are definitely working on – as we do always – on final third entries and trying to create more chances,” Warne said. “And, obviously, we have to take them.”
Winger Corey Blackett-Taylor was lively after coming off the bench against Sunderland in midweek despite injury concerns before the game, and is now being considered for what would be only his fourth league start of the season against Cardiff.
“If he is fit to start and he can play, then he is a contender,” Warne added. “I can see what everyone else can see, which is that he goes past people and puts crosses in, so he is in a really good vein of form.
“He is in a good position and we just have to make sure that physically he is. Because if physically he isn’t, then as much as I want him to play, or I play him for 60 or 70 minutes and he can’t play at the level, then it’s pointless and I’d be better off bringing him on for 30.”
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