Opposition view: Cocu baffled by key decision but feels Rams had 'control' against Cobblers

The Cobblers captain had a superb game but he was fortunate not to see red just 12 minutes in when pulling back Jack Marriott as the Derby strike raced through on goal.

“I think they gave him man of the match, but that shouldn’t have happened because it was a clear red card,” said Cocu.

“It is clear, and I saw it back also, so I don’t know what the reason is to why he didn’t give it. It is a key moment in the game.”

Reflecting on the tie, Cocu was not happy with the way his side started but felt they 'controlled' the game thereafter.

He added: “We knew it would be a difficult game, especially in the first 15 minutes with their direct game style, but I think after 20 minutes we got the game under control.

“We did everything to try and get the winner. These key moments can sometimes be the difference in the game. We had to change our shape a little bit on defence because it can be very difficult sometimes in how they play.

“We played a little bit with (Andrew) Wisdom closer to Curtis (Davies) and (Craig) Forsyth then (Jason) Knight almost as a wing-back. In the first 15 minutes, I was not happy in how we solved it, they did not do exactly how we agreed.

“After that they did and I think we had control the rest of the game. We created some opportunities for ourselves but we couldn’t get the goal.”

Cocu has suggested he's prepared to make more changes in the replay at Pride Park, adding: “It is okay, there are some possibilities for players to keep playing.

"That is what I said after the game; we need the numbers to be a team not only one to 11, but everyone included. Players are coming back from injury so it will help them.

“It will be good to be back at Pride Park. We play well in the home games and we have the ambition to go on in the FA Cup.

“We have to make sure the next game at home we are a little bit better so we can win the game and go on to the next round.”