It was a good day for Irish players in the Premier League today, with Ciaran Clark, Shane Long and Jeff Hendrick (..and maybe Declan Rice) all having a positive impact in their side's results.
For Jeff Hendrick, he played a pivotal role in Burnley's 2-1 win, assisting both own goals as Sean Dyche prevailed over Fulham 2-1.
Astoundingly the two own goals were the only times Burnley troubled the Fulham keeper, meaning they beat the Cottagers without having a shot on target.
Burnley after 90 mins vs Fulham:
Shots on target - 0️⃣
Goals - 2️⃣
Points - 3️⃣Wow ?#BTSportScore pic.twitter.com/ObHgx5Wm0Q
— BT Sport Score (@btsportscore) January 12, 2019
Shane Long put in a man of the match performance in Southampton's vital win over Leicester. The Tipp native won a penalty and grabbed a goal on the stroke of half time to put the Saints 2-0 up, despite his side being reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Yann Valery Valery for two yellows.
Long's goal gave him the unwanted record of his last four goals coming under four different managers:
Shane Long's last four goals have come under four different Southampton managers (Puel, Pellegrino, Hughes, Hasenhuttl).
— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) January 12, 2019
Long's last three PL strikes have also come in three different calendar years:
Shane Long's last three Premier League away goals have been scored in different calendar years:
2017 vs. Sunderland
2018 vs. Arsenal
2019 vs. LeicesterThree different managers as well. ? pic.twitter.com/YNwLsMFRmI
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 12, 2019
And finally on to Ciaran Clark's contribution. The Ireland international drew his side level with a thumping header against Chelsea in the late kick-off. His effort would be in vain, though as goals from Pedro and Willian meant that Rafa Benitez's side remain in the relegation though.
Amazingly Clark's goal put him as the 2nd top goalscorer at the club on three goals, with Rondon top with five. More of an indictment of Newcastle's strikers than Clark's goalscoring prowess; the Ireland international has only made 11 appearances in the PL this season:
Ciaran Clark scores his 3rd ⚽ in his last 7 @premierleague apps. @NUFC top scorers this season
5 Rondon
3 CLARK
2 Joselu
2 PerezNewcastle are looking for only their 2nd league win at Stamford Bridge in the last 32 years pic.twitter.com/oRds6MNyhN
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 12, 2019
