Derby's downward spiral shows no sign of abating - analysis

Like winning, losing becomes a habit. Derby County have now lost six straight games in the Championship and the downward spiral shows no sign of abating.

For many looking on, the 'rinse and repeat' nature of the Rams results since Boxing Day is alarming.

The goals conceded at Cardiff City were again of Derby's own making.

Ball retention has been a real issue when put under pressure by the opposition. Panic sets in and the ball is released or a risky pass doesn't come off.

We have seen a lot of teams play Derby at this level and keep the ball. They are patient, they find a pass but don't take risks. Possession is recycled with short passes and movement until a chance is created.

Both goals in the second half at the Cardiff City Stadium came from losing possession, being committed up field and being outmanoeuvred in retreat.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom needed to do better with the tame shot at his goal before it being put beyond him by Callum Robinson. Seconds later, they lost possession easily again and get hit on the break.

Derby are conceding the same goal every week and will continue to do so if they keep giving the ball away so cheaply, with everyone being caught out of position.

Losing their main defenders hasn't helped and not taking chances at the other end heaps pressure on everyone.

The main positive about the trip to Wales was a first goal for Lars Jorgen Salvesen, a brilliant header from a great ball by Jerry Yates, but the most noticeable part of it was the defence-splitting run by Ebou Adams straight down the middle of the field.

Derby don't normally score goals like that, so it was refreshing.

The return of Ryan Nyambe gave the Rams some experience at the back and David Ozoh being restored in midfield will hopefully give it more balance.

The disappointment on the players' faces after the final whistle was hard to ignore.

How long does a run go on, before losing becomes a habitual mental block?

You can listen to more from Ed Dawes on BBC Radio Derby's Rams Daily podcast.