We continue our series which looks at the English media reaction to the performances of Irish players over the weekend. A number of Irish performed to an impressive level over the weekend, with Darragh Lenihan and Harry Arter the standout players.
On the other hand, some of our internationals did not fare so well. Take a look at the ratings in full.
Irish Player Ratings
Seamus Coleman scored an absolute belter in Everton's 3-1 win over Brighton, and looked great going forward throughout the game. The Liverpool Echo still thought he looked a bit dodgy defensively however, and gave him a 7/10 for his efforts.
Shane Duffy was on the losing side in that match, and the Brighton & Hove Independent rated him at 6/10.
Robbie Brady continued his return from injury for Burnley in their 4-2 loss to West Ham, with a 15 minute cameo off the bench. He was on the pitch long enough to make an impact, providing an assist for Burnley's second goal.
Matt Doherty did not perform up to his usual standards in Wolves' 3-2 defeat to Spurs, although he did set a Raul Jimenez goal which was wrongly ruled out for offside. A 6/10 from the Express and Star.
Matt Doherty on the end of a rough offside call for Raul Jimenez disallowed goal #WOLTOT pic.twitter.com/EYjvlfvnT2
— Johnny Phillips (@SkyJohnnyP) November 3, 2018
Shane Long was anonymous in Southampton's 6-1 drubbing at Manchester City, with 90mins giving him a paltry 4/10 for his performance. Promising youngster Michael Obafemi also made an appearance off the bench for the Saints in that game.
Cardiff City fell to 1-0 home defeat to Leicester City on Saturday, with Wales Online rating Harry Arter as their best performer in the game. They gave him a 7/10, and were perplexed that he was substituted late in the game:
Made countless interceptions and tackles in midfield. Effervescent as usual and oddly removed 10 minutes from time.
Richard Keogh continued his excellent form in Derby's 3-1 win over Birmingham City, with his performance deemed as a 7/10 by the Derby Telegraph.
Three of Ireland's Preston contingent featured in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, with Callum Robinson once again the standout performer. He was given a 7/10 by the Lancashire Post, who thought he was the team's most effective player going forward.
Sean Maguire and Alan Browne were both rated as 6/10, with neither having any real influence on the match.
Shaun Williams played the full 90 as Millwall lost 1-0 away at Brentford, with football.london giving him a 6/10 for his efforts.
The Birmingham Mail were impressed with Conor Hourihane's performance (7/10) in Aston Villa's 2-0 win over Bolton:
A constant threat from set-pieces as his teasing deliveries caused problems. Sat deeper and offered protection for the back-four. A decent night’s work.
John Egan was praised for his performance in Sheffield United's 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest (7/10), where his defensive awareness and physical prowess impressed The Star. Left-back has been a long-term problem position for Ireland, and Egan has the chance to make that position his own should he continue his good form for the Premier League hopefuls.
Ryan Manning grabbed a brace off the bench in Rotherham's 2-1 win over Swansea City, with both goals coming from the penalty spot. Richie Towell also played in that game, although he was withdrawn after 75 minutes.
Darragh Lenihan played the full 90 minutes in Blackburn's 1-0 win over QPR, with the Lancashire Telegraph giving him 8/10 and naming him man of the match:
Always in the right place to deal with what little threat QPR posed, though did go close to a second half own goal. Helped keep Rovers on the front foot with some strong interceptions. A welcome return to the side from injury.
Derrick Williams was his partner in the centre of defence in this contest, with his performance also rated 8/10.
Darren Randolph kept yet another clean sheet in Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw at Stoke, and the Gazette gave him a 6/10 on what was a quiet evening for the goalkeeper.
James McClean, fresh off his latest poppy controversy, came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of that game.
Ronan Curtis contributed the winning assist for Portsmouth in their 1-0 victory over Bradford City, with the Portsmouth News rating him as a 7/10. Curtis has been linked with a move to some of the top club in the Championship after his stellar debut season in English football, and he is looking like a genuine option for Martin O'Neill up front.
