Derby County pulled off a surprise 2-1 away win at Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, dashing home hopes and throwing a spotlight on Swansea City's mounting struggles under new manager Vitor Matos. The result, sealed by goals from Joe Ward (34') and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen (53'), left the Swans still clinging to 17th place in the 2025-26 English League Championship, while Derby climbed further into the playoff picture with 26 points from 17 games. The final whistle blew at 90'+5', after Ethan Galbraith's late strike offered a sliver of hope — but not enough to stop the sinking feeling among the 14,251 fans in attendance.
The Matos Era Begins Under Fire
It was supposed to be a new chapter. Vitor Matos, the Portuguese tactician brought in after the sacking of Steve Cooper, was set to make his home debut with momentum. Instead, he watched his team fall behind early and struggle to find rhythm. YouTube highlights from Minister Of Football dubbed it "the Matoss era" — a phrase that now carries more weight than intended. The team looked disjointed in midfield, with veteran Jay Fulton — playing his 300th match for the club — visibly frustrated as Derby controlled the tempo. "They were too patient," one fan muttered in the stands. "We’re not playing football. We’re just waiting for something to happen."
Derby’s Clinical Strike Force
Derby County, sitting fifth in the table, came to Wales with a mission: take three points and stay in the promotion hunt. And they did it with cold efficiency. Joe Ward, the 23-year-old striker, opened the scoring with a header off a corner — a set-piece that exposed Swansea’s aerial vulnerability. His movement was sharp, his timing perfect. Then, just 19 minutes into the second half, Lars-Jørgen Salvesen — a Norwegian winger signed from Stabæk — curled a left-footed beauty into the top corner. "A strike that is... absolutely deadly," the commentator on the YouTube highlights said. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement. Derby didn’t need flair. They didn’t need possession. They needed precision. And they delivered.
Swansea’s defense, already missing key center-back Dion Sanderson and striker Carlton Morris (out with injury), looked shell-shocked. Substitutions came fast: M. Stamenić, J. Fulton, M. Benson, Ronald, and G. Franco all entered the field by the 57th minute. But the damage was done. By then, Derby had already shifted into cruise control.
Galbraith’s Glimmer — Too Little, Too Late
When Ethan Galbraith pulled one back in the 90th minute — a low, driven shot from the edge of the box after a scramble — it felt like the start of a comeback. The stadium roared. Players embraced. Even the coaching staff stood up. But it was a consolation. A footnote. Not a turning point. "The first under Vitor Matos," the highlights narrator said, "with perfect timing." Perfect timing for the fans, maybe. But not for the table. Not for the season.
Derby’s Callum Elder picked up a yellow card in the 94th minute — a late, desperate lunge — as if to say, "We’re not letting this slip." And they didn’t. The away fans celebrated like they’d won the title.
Where the Table Stands Now
With 17 games played, Coventry City leads with 40 points — a staggering +30 goal difference. Stoke City and Middlesbrough sit tied for second with 30 points. Derby County, at 26, are just four points off the automatic promotion spots. Meanwhile, Swansea City sit 17th with 17 points (4 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses). Only Norwich City (10 points) and Sheffield Wednesday (11 points) are worse. The gap between 17th and 14th is just three points — but with 29 games left, every one matters. This loss wasn’t just about three points lost. It was about confidence, momentum, and belief — all of which are now in short supply at the Swansea.com Stadium.
What’s Next for Both Clubs?
For Derby County, the focus turns to their next fixture: a home game against Oxford United. With their defense holding firm and Ward and Salvesen clicking, they look like genuine promotion threats. Their squad depth is better than most expect. The absence of Carlton Morris is a concern — but not a crisis.
For Swansea City, the questions multiply. Why can’t they score? Why is their midfield so passive? And why does every game feel like a battle just to stay competitive? Matos has to find answers fast. His first home game was meant to ignite support. Instead, it exposed cracks. The next three matches — against Sheffield United, Millwall, and Leeds United — are must-wins. If they don’t start climbing, the relegation zone won’t just be a threat. It’ll be a reality.
Historical Context: Two Clubs, Two Paths
Swansea City, founded in 1912, once dazzled Europe with their 2013 League Cup win and a memorable Premier League stint. But since relegation in 2018, they’ve been stuck in the Championship’s middle ground — never quite good enough for promotion, never quite bad enough to rebuild. This season feels like another missed opportunity.
Derby County, by contrast, are a club of pedigree. Two-time English champions in 1972 and 1975, they’ve been in the doldrums since 2019. But under manager Wayne Rooney (who took over in summer 2025), they’ve found structure. This win in Swansea wasn’t just about points. It was about proving they’re back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Swansea City’s relegation chances?
Swansea City now sit just three points above the relegation zone, with three teams below them. With only 29 games left, every point is critical. Their goal difference of -8 is the worst among the top 18, meaning they can’t afford more losses. A win in their next three matches is essential to avoid sliding into the drop zone.
Why was Carlton Morris absent, and how does that hurt Swansea?
Carlton Morris, Derby County’s top striker, was sidelined — but Swansea’s own top scorer, Tom Cannon, has been injured since October. Without a proven goal threat, Swansea struggle to convert chances. In this match, they had 14 shots — only 3 on target. Morris’s absence hurt Derby, but Swansea’s lack of a striker hurts far more.
What does this result mean for Derby County’s promotion hopes?
Derby County’s win keeps them firmly in the top six, just four points off second place. With 26 points from 17 games, they’re on pace for 70+ points — well above the historical promotion threshold. Their defense has conceded just 18 goals all season — the third-best in the league. This away win proves they can win under pressure, which is vital for playoff push.
Is Jay Fulton’s 300th appearance a sign of loyalty or stagnation?
Fulton’s milestone is remarkable — 300 appearances since 2013, including two promotions and a cup win. But it also highlights Swansea’s lack of youth development. With an average squad age of 29.3, they’re relying on veterans. While Fulton’s experience is valuable, the team needs younger players stepping up — and right now, they’re not.
What’s the significance of the Swansea.com Stadium attendance?
The 14,251 crowd was the lowest of the season for Swansea — down nearly 2,000 from their average. Fans are disillusioned. Ticket sales have dropped 18% since September. The club says it’s "temporary," but if results don’t improve, empty seats could become a financial crisis. This wasn’t just a loss on the pitch — it was a loss of faith in the stands.
How does this match compare to past Swansea-Derby encounters?
In the last five meetings, Derby have won three, drawn one, and lost one. But this was the first time since 2019 that Derby won at the Swansea.com Stadium. Historically, Swansea have been tough at home — but this season, they’ve lost four of their last five home games. The trend is clear: the Swans aren’t just losing — they’re crumbling at home.
