There were a number of excellent performances form Irish players over the weekend, with Ronan Curtis and Conor Hourihane amongst the goals. However the highlight was without doubt the strike from Michael Obafemi, who became Southampton's youngest ever Premier League goalscorer.
Along with whispers that we may soon be able to add Declan Rice to these rankings, and all of a sudden the future of Irish football looks a little brighter. Take a look at the full round-up below:
Irish Player Ratings
Matt Doherty's Wolves saw their winning run come to an end, falling to a a 2-0 home defeat to league leaders Liverpool. Doherty was one of his team's best performers however, with the Express & Star giving him a 7/10.
Michael Obafemi bagged his first Premier League goal in the 3-1 win at Huddersfield, becoming Southampton's youngest ever scorer in the division in the process. While he was a substitute, he was one of the game's standout performers, with Saintsmarching.com complimenting his performance:
It was a fine cameo from Obafemi, and pairing with Redmond up front, the combined pace was dangerous. It would not be surprising to see him feature frequently for Southampton during the festive fixtures (8/10).
Cyrus Christie played the full 90 minutes as Fulham drew 0-0 at Newcastle, keeping their first clean sheet of the season. Despite this, Football.London only gave him a 5/10, saying he struggled to contribute in the game.
Ireland's Cardiff contingent enjoyed a torrid evening on Saturday, getting hammered 5-1 by. resurgent Manchester United side. Wales Online gave Greg Cunningham a 6/10, while Harry Arter was given 5/10.
Jeff Hendrick played the full 90 minutes in Burnley's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, with The Independent rating his showing as a 6/10.
Richard Keogh started at centre back for Derby in their 1-1 home draw with Bristol City, with the Derby Telegraph rating him at 6/10. Callum O'Dowda played in that game for the visitors and he was given an 8/10 by the Bristol Post as he continued his recent upturn in form. They had this to say:
Not as many dribbles as the week before still raw energy and athleticism. Great second half showing carried on his recent run of form.
None of Preston's Ireland internationals started their 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, with Alan Browne and Graham Burke making appearances off the bench.
James McClean completed a rare 90 minutes for Stoke in their 1-0 win at home to Millwall. The Stoke Sentinel gave him a 7/10, saying that this performance was closer to the 'real' McClean. Aiden O'Brien came off the bench for the visitors.
Enda Stevens, John Egan and David McGoldrick all started for Sheffield United in their 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town. McGolldrick and Egan were both given 6/10 by The Star, with Stevens faring a bit better at 7/10.
Blackburn fell to a 1-0 home defeat to promotion chasing Norwich, with Darragh Lenihan in the line-up. The Lancashire Telegraph gave him a 6/10, mentioning his recent dip in form.
Rotherham suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat to West From, with both Ryan Manning and Richie Towell playing the full 90 minutes.
Darren Randolph kept his first clean sheet in six games as Middlesbrough had a 1-0 away victory over Reading.
Conor Hourihane scored an absolute belter in Aston Villa's unfortunate 3-2 loss at home to Leeds United, and applied incredibly well in the opening period as his side raced into a 2-0 lead.
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Hourihane bends one beautifully in to the far corner and Villa lead 2-0
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