After an encouraging international break, it was back to club duty for Mick McCarthy's squad this week. Glenn Whelan continued his recent resurgence with a strong showing for Aston Villa, while Seamus Coleman put in a trademark performance for Everton in the win over West Ham.
It was not such good week for our Sheffield United contingent, as the team fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at home to Bristol City to lose some ground in the automatic promotion race.
Irish Player Ratings
Seamus Coleman captained Everton as they overcame West Ham on a 2-0 scoreline at the London Stadium. He got an 8/10 from the Liverpool Echo, who said it was one of his best showings of the campaign.
One of the captain's best displays of the season. Coleman showcased a massive amount of energy in attacking West Ham down the right flank at every opportunity, produced some great link-up play with Richarlison, and played the vital pass to set up Everton's second goal of the evening.
A great performance.
Cyrus Christie once again displayed his versatility over the weekend, starting at centre back in Fulham's 2-0 loss to Manchester City. It was not his best day at the office, with Football.London giving him a 5/10.
Following on from his strong form over the international break, Jeff Hendrick helped Burnley to a 2-0 win over Wolves at Turf Moor.
Matt Doherty was given a rare start from the substitute's bench in that one, being intorduced in the 60th minute as Wolves chased an equaliser. He looked lively once he got on the pitch, being given a 6/10 by the Express & Star.
Shane Duffy was in the Brighton side that fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton, putting in a solid display despite the loss. The Brighton & Hove Independent gave him a 7/10 for a dominant aerial display.
Despite being the better team for most of the game, Harry Arter's Cardiff City threw away a 1-0 lead to lose at home to Chelsea. The Ireland midfielder was one of their best performers, getting a 7/10 from The Independent.
Sean Maguire and Callum Robinson started for Preston in their 2-1 loss to Reading, as their play-off hopes took a major blow. Maguire was the better of the two, receiving a 7/10 from the Lancashire Evening Post for a 'busy' showing up top.
It was a less productive day for Robinson, who only got a 5/10 as he continues his return from a lengthy injury layoff.
Alan Judge started on the left wing once again for Ipswich Town, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Hull.
After his return to the Irish team last week, Glenn Whelan continued his strong form for Aston Villa in their 2-1 win over Blackburn. He was rated at 8/10 by the Birmingham Mail, who were very impressed with his display:
Continued his fine form with another calm and assured display. Rarely misplaced a pass and kept it simple throughout. Also got stuck in when he needed to and has won over the claret and blue faithful.
After looking like he was well past his best earlier in the year, Whelan has had an unbelievable resurgence, winning plenty of fans in the process.
You know that old fella in Sunday League? The veteran central midfielder? The one you wrongly think won't be able to get around the pitch? And then he not only gets around the pitch, but tackles, passes, dictates the play & generally shows his class? That's Glenn Whelan that is. pic.twitter.com/SYPZBQgLQ3
— Mat Kendrick (@MatKendrick) March 30, 2019
I'm not joking, Glenn Whelan is playing the best football of his career
— Cian (@CianByNature) March 30, 2019
Glenn Whelan, take a bow mate. Got written off by some fans of both club and country and have come back to show them totally wrong. You have been brilliant for Villa and people are starting to realise that.
— tony nash (@NashNash194) March 30, 2019
Conor Hourihane was introduced as a late substitute in that game.
Richard Keogh captained Derby as they hammered Rotherham 6-1. He was steady as ever, earning a rating of 7.5/10 from the Derby Telegraph.
After a pair of underwhelming showings over the international break, James McClean did not really impress for Stoke in their 0-0 draw with Sheffield United. He was given a 6/10 by the Stoke Sentinel, being withdrawn from the game in the 70th minute.
It was not the best of days for Sheffield United and their strong Irish contingent falling to a 3-2 defeat at home to Bristol City. John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started the game, but it would be Scott Hogan that got himself on the scoresheet.
He was given a 7/10 by The Star, who were encouraged by his cameo:
Looked lively when he came on and got his first United goal, heading home Baldock's cross from close range. United will hope that the goal gets him up and running to be a big player in the Championship run-in
Egan, Stevens and McGoldrick were less impactful, with each being rated at 5/10.
Darren Randolph was in the nets for Middlesbrough, who lost 1-0 at home to league leaders Norwich City. Despite the defeat, the Irish goalkeeper was in good form, pulling off a pair of excellent saves and getting a 7/10 from the Teeside Gazette.
James Collins was back amongst the goals in League One, as Luton Town consolidated their place at the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers.
🎩 @LutonTown march on in @SkyBetLeagueOne
2⃣7⃣ unbeaten
2⃣1⃣ goals for James Collins
7⃣ points clear at the top#LTFC pic.twitter.com/Wp3ZGrivzz— Sporting Life 🎯🔴🎾⛳️🥊🏏🏉 🏈 (@SportingLifeFC) March 31, 2019
