It was a reasonably quiet week for our internationals abroad, but certain trio in Sheffield did put in a hell of shift. John Egan and Enda were both exemplary in the win over Aston Villa, but it was David McGoldrick who won most of the plaudits.
Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman returned to the Everton team and Darragh Lenihan was hugely impressive for Blackburn. Here's the ratings in full.
Irish Player Ratings
John Egan, Enda Stevens, and David McGoldrick were all in the Sheffield United team for their 2-0 win over Aston Villa. All three performed wonderfully, earning 8 /10 ratings from the Sheffield Star.
However, it was McGoldrick that made the most eye-catching contribution. He pulled off a wonderful assist to set up John Fleck's second.
Masterful 💫 pic.twitter.com/brgnr5Sajt
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 14, 2019
That deft touch from Didzy 🤤 pic.twitter.com/ob6xEnOXXU
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 16, 2019
His work rate was also on full display with a long-bursting tackle that would have had Mick McCarthy salivating.
Mick McCarthy will be up all night thinking about this David McGoldrick tackle.pic.twitter.com/Wt46THLrU6
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 15, 2019
The striker was giving a standing ovation from the home crowd as he was withdrawn late on. It certainly seems he is becoming a massive fan favourite at Bramall Lane, even if the goals have yet to start going in.
When David McGoldrick finally scores, Bramall Lane will erupt. And I can't wait for it.
Incredible player.#twitterblades #sufc pic.twitter.com/bVLMWN4yxr— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) December 14, 2019
Which player made the most tackles in yesterday's match vs Villa?
An Aston Villa defender? No.
A Sheffield United centre-back? Nope.
Any of the midfielders? Wrong again.
It was David McGoldrick, with 3.
👑#twitterblades #sufc pic.twitter.com/sbOhLQBSPi— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) December 15, 2019
Why is it that Blades fans couldn't care if Didzy missed 3 OPTA Big Chances and failed to score again?
SUFC player involved in most attacks leading to shots? David Mcgoldrick. He's absolutely vital and should be celebrated for his genius— Jay Socik (@Blades_analytic) December 14, 2019
Jeff Hendrick started on the right wing as Burnley secured an important 1-0 home victory over Newcastle. Much of his work was done in the defensive side of the game, restricting Jetro Willems from getting forward. He was rated at 6/10 by the Burnley Express.
Southampton suffered a major blow in their fight against relegation on Saturday, falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham. Shane Long was up front for The Saints and was given a 6/10 by Saints Marching, who mentioned his work rate put most of his teammates to shame.
Seamus Coleman was back in the Everton side for their visit to Old Trafford, with Duncan Ferguson's side securing a 1-1 draw. The Donegal man played well, capably dealing with the threat of Marcus Rashford and getting a 7/10 mark from the Liverpool Echo.
It was late heartbreak for Wolves and Matt Doherty yesterday, with Jan Vertonghen's injury time goal ensuring a defeat against Spurs. The Express & Star were impressed with the Irishman's showing despite the loss:
Given more attacking freedom in the second half and continues to build that fine relationship with Adama Traore. His industrious probing of that right side makes him a key part of this Wolves side (7/10).
In the Championship, Ryan Manning was playing in midfield for QPR as they suffered a mad 5-3 loss at Barnsley. He earned a 6/10 from West London Sport.
Jayson Molumby and Shaun Williams were both in the Millwall team as they picked up an impressive win at Derby County. The London side have impressed since Gary Rowett was appointed as manager and now sit only two points outside the playoff places. Jason Knight started for Derby in that one.
Stoke City drew 0-0 with Reading, failing to get out of the relegation zone as a result. James McClean started on the left of a front three, putting a decent shift in a 6/10 display for the Stoke Sentinel. Scott Hogan came off the bench.
Preston condemned Luton Town to a 2-1 defeat as they moved to third in the table, with Sean Maguire and Alan Browne both in the side. Both were given 6/10 by the Lancashire Evening Post, with Maguire playing a part in the winning goal.
James Collins was in the opposition side and scored their only goal of the game from the penalty spot.
Darragh Leinhan put in a cracking performance as Blackburn Rovers got an impressive 2-0 win away at Bristol City. Manager Tony Mowbray was hugely impressed with what he saw from the Meath native, who's return from injury has coincided with an improvement in the team's results:
It feels like an excuse but he is missed when he doesn't play.
Sometimes managers can be accused of making excuses but Lenihan’s loss through our period of inability to win football matches is very, very apparent.
Callum O'Dowda came off the bench for the home side.
Fulham lost 1-0 at Brentford, with Cyrus Christie playing at right back.
