A three-goal burst inside the opening 22 minutes was more than enough for the Clarets to collect all the points at a fog-bound Turf Moor.

The game survived the engulfing mist, much to the relief of Burnley manager, and this result and performance will enhance the confidence of his high-flying team ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against the Gunners.

Coyle was naturally delighted, saying: "We have been in terrific form at home and in the opening period of the game our energy and movement meant we had four or five options.

"We looked a young, vibrant team, full of energy. It was important we went into the Arsenal game on a positive note and this sets us up in a nice position in the Championship."

They went in front after only six minutes when Robbie Blake's corner was headed on by skipper Steven Caldwell who found Kevin McDonald, allowing the youngster to volley past Roy Carroll for his first goal since joining the Lancashire club in summer.

Burnley increased their lead after 15 minutes when Blake and Chris Eagles played a one-two near the right touchline which enabled the latter to cross to the near post where the ball was swept home by striker Martin Paterson.

A third Burnley goal arrived just seven minutes later when Eagles again teased left-back Jordan Stewart and crossed low for Paterson to slide the ball beyond Carroll.

Eagles should have got onto the score sheet five minutes into the second half but after being sent clear by McDonald, placed his shot into the side netting.

Miles Addison went as close as anyone to pulling a goal back for the visitors and was unlucky to see his shot strike a post just prior to the hour mark. At the other end Carroll did superbly well to somehow hold on to a Blake free kick.

It was two-goal Paterson's first league start for a month and Coyle said: "I felt he had lost a touch of sharpness to his game but he has been champing at the bit.

"I brought him here to make him a better player and bring him on."

Paterson himself was equally complementary of Coyle, adding: "His management and experience has shone through. What he is doing is for the best of the club and hopefully I have done enough to keep a shirt.

"We have a great squad and there are a lot of people who aren't playing but nobody has thrown their toys out of the pram."

For Derby manager Paul Jewell, the performance was all too familiar.

He said: "It was a flashback to last year when one goal led to another. We have made progress, but the last two away games we have conceded eight goals and we need to take our home form into away games.

"This was never going to be an easy season and whilst we have made some progress, I am not kidded.

"Last season we collapsed like a pack of cards and I thought we had got over that. I have no argument with the fans, I take responsibility for the team and it's down to me and nobody else."