Mark Travers enjoyed a dream start to the 2022/23 Premier League season for Bournemouth. The Cherries, who were most pundit's top pick for relegation this season, secured a 2-0 win over Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa.
Most of the pre-match Premier League chatter surrounding Irish players had centred on Gavin Bazunu's Premier League debut with Southampton, and Nathan Collin's first league game for Wolves.
However, after keeping a clean sheet on top of the win, Travers had by far the most successful day of any of the Irish in the Premier Legaue.
Dorset Live gave the Maynooth man a 7/10 rating, praising an early save but also acknowledging that he was rarely troubled.
Forced into an early stop from Danny Ings, but was otherwise not made to stretch. Did almost make a meal of a simple catch in the first half, but claimed at the second time of asking. Will surely relish the added competition from Neto.
Travers' Irish rival Bazunu endured a miserable debut as Southampton were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the unpleasant scoreline, Bazunu was not to blame for the goals, as Southampton's defence was easily cut apart by Conte's Spurs.
Hampshire Live gave the keeper a 6/10 rating, and wrote the following on his performance:
Beaten by Ryan Sessegnon for the first goal but wasn't helped by Kyle Walker-Peters who failed to get anything on the cross. Could do little for the second goal either, with Eric Dier uncontested when he flicked his header into the far post. Left exposed yet again when Salisu turned into his own net and when Kulusevski curled home unopposed moments later.
Matt Doherty came off the bench for Spurs after 86th minutes, but may be a little worried of his place at the club given that Emerson Royal was picked ahead of him on the right, and the presence of Spurs' summer signing Djed Spence.
Difficult Day For Bazunu
Midfield 3 and Bazunu great everyone else, poor #SaintsFC
— Gav 🇮🇪 (@bazunufc) August 6, 2022
🆚 Tottenham 4-1 Southampton
📋 Post Game Summary (2/2)
🏃 Gavin Bazunu
⏱️ Started, played whole game
👟 10/33 passes completed(30.30%)
🧤 4 saves#COYBIG #TOTSOU— Irish Abroad (@irish_abroad) August 6, 2022
🇮🇪| Southampton conceded 4 today vs Spurs
Our man was given no help by his defence
Gavin Bazunu is a Premier League player, that’s the main thing
This is just the beginning
👊🏻💚 pic.twitter.com/5tr1T458iF— IP🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) August 6, 2022
READ MORE: Crouch And Rio Single Out One Brilliant Element Of Mitrovic's Performance v Liverpool
READ MORE: Roy Keane Singles Out The One Side Who Challenge Liverpool And Man City
Nathan Collins also had a tough debut for Wolves, going down 2-1 to Leeds, despite taking the lead after six minutes.
He will be glad to have played the entire match however, while he also won three of four aerial duels, and had two interceptions.
Connor Ronan and Joe Hodge were also on the bench for Wolves but both were unused substitutes.
Shane Duffy came on in injury time during Fulham's thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Richard Dunne Showers Huge Praise On Collins
From one great Irish centre back to another! 🤝
Richard Dunne believes big things are to come for Nathan Collins 👀
"He has the potential to really go to one of the bigger clubs in English football." 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OWo8dNqOSK— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 6, 2022
SEE ALSO: Klopp Cites 'Dry Pitch' For Role In Liverpool Draw With Fulham
