Frank Lampard was delighted with Derby's 1-0 Sky Bet Championship victory at Wigan, but felt his team made it harder for themselves than it needed to be.
Wigan had to play with 10 men for 75 minutes after Kal Naismith was sent off for bringing down Harry Wilson on the edge of the home box.
Jack Marriott put Derby ahead five minutes later with a clinical header from Jayden Bogle's cross, and Wilson almost made it two only to be denied by a Nathan Byrne goalline clearance.
The visitors then became less and less of a threat as Wigan, who switched to a 5-3-1 formation, stemmed the bleeding and gained a foothold in the game.
And although Derby managed to hold on for all three points, Lampard felt it could and should have been by a more emphatic margin.
"It was tough and it shouldn't have been in a way," the Derby boss said.
"In the first half we were fantastic and probably should have had two or three goals, which would have made it comfortable.
"Fair play to Wigan, they rearranged at half-time and obviously had some words from their manager. They went very direct on us and our quality levels dropped.
"But clean sheets have been very shy on us in recent weeks and that was the important thing. I'm pleased with that and I'm pleased with the win because this is a tough place to come.
"The two centre-backs and the goalkeeper were outstanding, very assured, dealt with the long balls and the runners very well. And let's not forget that our football in the first half was brilliant at times.
"Yes we were against 10 men, but even before the sending-off we created a lot of chances, moved the ball well and got in behind them.
"The quality level was great in the first half, second half we dug in, so we showed both sides of the game which is pleasing."
Wigan boss Paul Cook felt his side deserved more for their efforts.
"I'm very disappointed not to get a draw," Cook said.
"I thought we started the game really well and the sending-off was obviously huge in the game.
"Derby were magnificent then for 10-15-20 minutes, when they cut us open at will, and on another day could have scored more goals.
"We had to change the formation, there were too many spaces which was allowing Derby to play and get behind us.
"Thankfully we managed to get in at half-time and in the second half I thought we were the better team with 10 men.
"I don't think Derby created anything in the second half, they didn't cause us any trouble, even with the quality of players they have. But they've managed to see the game out and good luck to them.
"Could I have asked any more from my players? Certainly not. They've given me everything in trying to get a point and that's all I can ask as a manager."
