You have to be delighted for David McGoldrick. He has huffed and puffed all season, playing a key part in Sheffield United's incredible season. He just couldn't find the back of the net.
That ended at the weekend with a brace against Chelsea.
That wasn't the only strong performance from our internationals over the weekend. Conor Hourihane was in stunning form for Aston Villa, while Jason Knight was on the scoresheet for Derby.
Here's the ratings in full.
Irish Player Ratings
Adam Idah came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Norwich City's 4-0 loss to West Ham, a result which confirmed the club's relegation. The Pink Un said he did well after coming on, and claimed that now is surely the time for the Cork man to be given a few starts in the Premier League.
Three Irishmen started Sheffield United's 3-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, but the show was stolen by David McGoldrick. The striker bagged his first ever Premier League goal early on, with another following in the second half.
Hard work. Elegance. Ability.
David McGoldrick was at his exceptional best yesterday 👏 pic.twitter.com/rdzPRJ9J22— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 12, 2020
He was given 9/10 by the Sheffield Star for an exceptional performance, being named man-of-the-match.
John Egan and Enda Stevens were both handed a very impressive 8/10 mark, with the left back producing a beautiful assist for their second goal of the game.
Sublime play from the Blades 👏
The One-Two between Enda & Ben and a thumping header from Oli Mc 💥 pic.twitter.com/uM6P2XFgJD— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 12, 2020
Aaron Connolly could do little to stop Brighton falling to a 5-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, playing 60 minutes before being replaced. He was given 5/10 by the Brighton & Hove Independent, who mentioned that he did cause Aymeric Laporte some problems in the opening half.
Matt Doherty played the full 90 minutes as Wolves swept Everton aside at Molineux. He was rated at 7/10 by the Express & Star, who said he linked up well with the side's forward players.
It was not such a good afternoon for Seamus Coleman, who was in spiky form after the final whistle. He was introduced on the half hour mark to play on the right of a back three, getting a 5/10 from the Liverpool Echo after what was a defensive horror show from Everton.
Aston Villa kept their survival hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, a result which coincided with Conor Hourihane's return to the starting lineup. He put in an excellent display, assisting their second and coming close to scoring himself on a couple of occasions.
You can say what you want, but we know Conor Hourihane knew exactly what he was doing here 👀pic.twitter.com/zxKmYBKLqF
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 12, 2020
He was rated at 9/10 by the Birmingham Mail, who were singing his praises after the game:
Pressed and probed from midfield. Put in a few excellent deliveries with the best of the lot finding Trezeguet for the crucial opening goal.
Rallied the troops throughout, always a voice in midfield and played like his livelihood depended on it. Almost bent in a near-post free-kick in the second 45. Won a crucial header which allowed Trezeguet to score his second.
James McCarthy was introduced at halftime for Crystal Palace but had little impact on the game.
In the Championship, James Collins started for Luton Town in their 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, a result which ensured they could yet avoid relegation. He was given 8.5/10 by Luton Today for an extremely hard-working performance.
Harry Arter and Cyrus Christie were both in the Fulham side for their 2-0 win over Cardiff City. The Cottagers are now guaranteed a place in the play-offs and still have an outside chance at gaining automatic promotion.
Jason Knight found the back of the net in Derby's game against Brentford, but could do little as they fell to a 3-1 home defeat.
A great finish here from Jason Knight to equalise for Derby against Brentford ☘️pic.twitter.com/E5qzOKdkld
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 11, 2020
He was given 6/10 by the Derby Telegraph after bagging his fifth goal of the season, with the club now three points outside the play-off places.
Josh Cullen and Aiden McGeady both started Charlton's 1-0 defeat at home to Reading, a loss which leaves them one point above the relegation places.
QPR fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday, with Ryan Manning and Conor Masterson, and Olamide Shodipo all in the starting XI. It was a tough afternoon for all three, each of whom were rated at 5/10 by West London Sport.
Millwall's play-off hopes are still alive and kicking after a vital 1-0 win at Hull, with Shaun Williams coming off the bench late on to help secure the result.
Darragh Lenihan put in a battling performance in Blackburn's 1-1 draw with West Brom, even finding himself in a confrontation with Slaven Bilic at one point. He was rated at 7/10 by Lancs Live.
📸 Football. This is what it means.#Rovers #ROVvWBA 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/6cJmj9GPLR
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) July 11, 2020
Dara O'Shea once again started for the visitors at right back, being rated at 7/10 by the Express & Star for a 'solid showing'. Callum Robinson played the final ten minutes off the bench. They sit three points ahead of third placed Brentford.
Preston are another team still in the play-off hunt, with their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest meaning they are just two points away from the top six. Sean Maguire played the full 90 minutes, getting a 5.5/10 rating from Lancs Live.
Callum O'Dowda came off the bench late on in Bristol City's 3-1 win over Middlesbrough. They are currently three points outside the play-offs, but sit in 11th place.
Stoke City took another step towards safety after their 2-0 win over Birmingham City, with James McClean playing a vital role. He was given a 7/10 by the Stoke Sentinel, ratting the bar with a long range shot at one point. Scott Hogan was in opposition, making little impact in a 4/10 display according to the Birmingham Mail.
