While the staggered Premier League winter break ensured that we didn't have as many internationals in action as we normally would over the weekend, there were still a few standout performances.
Callum Robinson and Darragh Leinhan continued their strong runs of form, while Ryan Manning impressed on his return to the QPR team.
Here's the ratings in full.
Irish Player Ratings
Matt Doherty started for Wolves in their 0-0 draw with Leicester City, having a quiet evening. He was rated at 6/10 by the Express & Star, who said he did not hit the same heights that he had in recent weeks.
There were a number of Irish players on show in the game between Southampton and Burnley at St. Mary's, with Shane Long, Michael Obafemi, and Jeff Hendrick all featuring in the 3-1 victory for the away side.
It was a quiet afternoon for the Southampton pair, both being rated at 5/10 by Saints Marching, with Obafemi playing 17 minutes off the bench. Hendrick earned a 7/10 from the Burnley Express, who he impressed with his work rate.
It was not a good afternoon for Ciaran Clark and Newcastle, who suffered a 4-0 pummelling at the hands of Arsenal. The Ireland international was given 5/10 by Chronicle Live which was far from the worst mark on the team.
In the Championship, Callum Robinson put in a huge performance in West Brom's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The on-loan forward got his first goal for the club and acted as a menace to the opposition defence all afternoon.
GOAL FOR WEST BROM!
The baggies lead through a cool finish from Callum Robinson.
Watch live on Sky Sports Football 📺
Follow online here 📲 https://t.co/6ZUU1K3b0s pic.twitter.com/zyVMKho6gx— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 15, 2020
He was named as man-of-the-match, earning rave reviews from the Express & Star in the process (9/10):
The 25-year-old links so well with Albion's other forwards that it looks like he's been playing with them since childhood rather than just a few weeks.
Netted his first Baggies goal with an excellent finish and then went close on two other occasions. His overall directness has added so much to the team. What a signing.
Dara O'Shea started that game at right back, playing well in a 7/10 showing.
Callum O'Dowda came off the bench after 34 minutes in Bristol City's 1-0 loss at Leeds.
Scott Hogan started Birmingham City's 1-1 draw with Brentford but was unable to continue his recent scoring run. The striker was given a 5.5/10 by the Birmingham Mail, 'hobbling off' in the 75th minute with a potential injury.
Aiden McGeady made his first start for Charlton as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home to Blackburn Rovers. He only managed a 4/10 performance according to News Shopper, who said he looked way off the pace. Josh Cullen was slightly better at 5/10 but failed to make much impact on the game.
For the visitors, Darragh Lenihan captained the side and played the full 90 minutes at centre back. It's fair to say Lancs Live were impressed with his performance (7.5/10):
What's the best way to describe Lenihan? A brick wall? A double decker bus? Another superb showing from the captain, even if he was at risk after his yellow card.
The meeting of Preston and Millwall saw three Irishmen feature, with Alan Browne, Sean Maguire, and Jayson Molumby all getting minutes.
Browne started for the home side in the 1-0 loss, getting a 6/10 from the Lancashire Evening Post for his 65 minute contribution. Maguire played 15 minutes off the bench.
Molumby put in another strong showing for Millwall, cementing his place as a fan favourite at the club.
Jayson Molumby (99’) vs PNE:
- 29 passes (87.9% pass accuracy)
- 2 key passes
- 3/6 long passes
- 1/1 dribbles
- 1 tackle won
Another well-rounded performance from the 🇮🇪 man
(@SofaScoreINT)#BHAFC #Millwall pic.twitter.com/dDvrlOELKV— Albion Analytics (@AlbionAnalytics) February 16, 2020
James Collins played the full 90 minute in Luton's 1-0 win at Middlesbrough. His performance was rated at 7.5/10 by Luton Today, who said he made some vital contributions in both defence and attack.
Ryan Manning was back in the QPR team for their 4-2 win over Stoke City, having a huge impact on the game. He was involved in three of their four goals, while he could have had a couple more assists were it not for some poor finishing from his teammates. He was handed an 8/10 rating by West London Sport.
