Stoke manager Mark Robins was delighted his side “found the key to unlock” Derby as stoppage-time goals from debutants Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas secured them a 3-1 comeback win at the bet365 Stadium.
Summer-signing Carlton Morris had put the Rams ahead against the run of play on the hour mark, but it was cancelled out 10 minutes later by Lewis Baker’s bending shot from outside the box.
And it looked as though the match was going to end in a draw until Manchester City loanee Mubama headed home before fellow summer arrival Sorba found the net from close range.
Robins, who was appointed to his role midway through last season, was impressed by the resilience his team showed after falling behind.
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“I honestly thought we were really good and good value for the win in the end,” he said.
“I thought we controlled most of it. I thought we were really good between both penalty areas up until the final bit, and then we were a little bit unfortunate.
“We went a goal down against the run of play, which was really disappointing. But we certainly didn’t let our heads go down.
“There’s a lot of positivity around, the work that’s going on is good. I’ve said that before and whilst it’s only game one, we’ll enjoy the win because of the goals that came after it (Derby’s opener). We found the key to unlock them.”
Despite suffering a losing start to the new campaign, Derby manager John Eustace is keen to ensure his squad do not get too downhearted.
“I’m obviously disappointed to lose the game in the end,” he said.
“I thought we grew into the game. Stoke had a lot of possession without really hurting us.
“I don’t think Jakey (goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom) had much to do apart from a great save near the end from the edge of the box. So we were disappointed to lose the game in the manner we did.
“We take positives from every game we play. It’s very important that we don’t get too disappointed about it.
“I think with two minutes to go, if we’d have taken the draw, I think everyone would have come away very happy with the group that performed today.
“You can see we’ve still got six or seven players that can come into the squad and help the group of players that we’ve already got, so that’s the exciting thing about it.
“But again, I was really happy with the effort of the players today.”