Kelvin Davis - 7: Didn't really have a lot to do today but when called upon he was alert. Most notable were the superb save from Villa's header just before half time and the one-on-one stop from Commons. Only one slight moment of miscommunication but Killer dispatched the ball out of danger.
Lloyd James - 7: Did well before having to depart early through injury. Looked accomplished being asked to play an unfamiliar role having emerged as a central midfielder, but is grabbing his chance with both hands. Always looking to get forward and looking assured in defence.
Andrew Surman - 6: Not his greatest performance but again another player being asked to play out of position. Just an inkling but think he could have a move on his mind - hopefully not though, we could do with keeping him!
Chris Perry - 7: Used his experience to his full advantage and looks to already have a good understanding in place with Svensson. Good positioning meant his lack of height wasn't a problem and was constantly helping out the younger players around him.
Michael Svensson - 7: Thank the lord Killer's back! Exactly the kind of performance we got from the centre half four years ago - I'm just praying we can keep him fit now. A great choice for a captain, a born leader and just the person we need in charge out on the field. He won everything in the air and as with Perry was constantly helping the young players around him.
Jamie White - 8: A hugely impressive debut from the youngster. From the message boards I'd heard mixed reports, but if this is anything to go by we could have something special here. He was full of energy always wanting to run at defenders, but also had great touch and pass.
Adam Lallana - 8: Fantastic passing, movement, pace, everything really! Deserved his goal and it definitely was his! He could have found the net before his goal with a great turn and shot that was just wide. Terrorised the Rams all day though, has such a great touch and looks so assured passing the ball.
Simon Gillet - 7: Another product of the youth system determined to take his chance and produced a solid performance. Really got stuck into Derby in the centre of the park and won the midfield battle.
Morgan Schneiderlin - 7: After paying over a million for a youngster in our position I expected a lot and he didn't disappoint. He could become a key player this season and fits right into Jan's vision of football. He was always looking to trap the ball and play it to feet and made Savage look a fool on many occasions!
Lee Holmes - 8: He really looked like he had a point to prove at the stadium where he made his debut as a 15 year old and he put in 110% effort. Non-stop running throughout and came mightily close to getting on the scoresheet on two occasions. We missed having width last season and so far he's looking like the answer.
David McGoldrick - 8: Looks like the emphasis could be on him to get the goals this season and he finally looks to be stepping up to the mark, although today's wasn't his day! His movement is impressive and he performed well after being asked to play up front alone. Could have scored a hat trick after his one-on-one in the first half and his late headers.
Paul Wotton - 6 (on 67 mins for Jamie White): Came on to tighten up the midfield and did his job as standard.
Cork - 7 (on 71 mins for Lloyd James): Usually a centre half or central midfielder but asked to fill in at right back and looked quality! Really fits in with the way Jan wants to play with good passing and moving. Has a year of Championship football under his belt and could be a real gem of a signing.
Stern John - 6 (on 84 mins for Lee Holmes): Didn't have much of a chance to show what he can do, just held up the ball as and when he could.