Player Ratings 2022/23

21/8/22

Championship

Callum O'Dowda 5

Struggled to impose himself on things as he usually would. Being greeted by boos every time he touched the ball didn't help. Put in a lovely cross for Ojo, who scored but was offside.

23/8/22

EFL Cup

Mark McGuinness 7

Has seamlessly slotted into the back three. Won his fair share of headers and was aggressive in the tackle. Taken off in a tactical switch at half-time.

Josh Cullen 7

Quietly effective in the middle and helped Burnley control the contest for large periods.

Dara Costelloe 6

Youngster came on late and was steady.

Kieran Sadlier 5

Went to right wing-back after coming on in closing stages.

Jason Knight 8

Was released from his position at right-back to play in the midfield position which is a natural fit and he revelled in it. Nice, bright and sharp around the box.

David McGoldrick 8

His first start of the season and showed care, vision and quality in the final third. Gives Derby's attack a different dimension when he's in this kind of form. 

Conor Hourihane 7 

Looked lively when he came on.

James Collins 6

Showed one or two neat touches.

Dara O'Shea 5

Not as commanding or as reassuring as he has been in the league of late, perhaps that's natural in an entirely different team. Didn't close down Sibley quickly enough as he picked his spot.

Callum Robinson 4

Picked up plenty of decent positions in and around the penalty area, but he was nowhere near as clinical as Albion needed him to be when he was granted the opportunity to find the target.

Gavan Holohan 6

Had some good forward runs playing in the more advanced role but could not find the killer pass when presented the opportunity.

Nathan Collins 7.5

The Irishman has been very impressive since arriving at Wolves in July, and he continued that trend with another good showing against Preston. He mopped things up at the back and defended very well.

Greg Cunningham 6

Took a booking in the first half and Wolves' speed was tough for him at times. Tidy enough on the ball.

Alan Browne 6

Came on and looked assured on the right side. Then went into midfield and did fine.

Troy Parrott 6

Brought on for the final 15 minutes and he created the massive chance for Potts at the back post, after a clever run to peel off the defender.

Shane Duffy 4

Tried in vain to rally the Fulham defence into some sort of organisation. Ponderous on the ball, and every pass back to Marek Rodak gave me shivers. Showed some character in the second half, and at times looked like he was on a one man mission to dribble through the entire Crawley defence.

Mazeed Ogungbo 8

Couple of key interceptions in the opening minutes and defended well against Fossey who was bright early on. Got forward to put in an inviting cross that Nadesan couldn’t direct home.

Ronan Curtis 8

Back at home on the left where he ruthlessly exposed Newport’s first-half naivety with his hard running and quality finishing.

Sean Raggett 5

Replaced Robinson as he was eased back in, but picked up a booking and couldn’t do anything to stop the winner.

Ben Greenwood 6

Didn't enjoy the start he would have wanted on his debut, having been booked just eight minutes into the game. Caught out of position occasionally during the first half, but toed the line well after the break. His confidence was boosted after he stepped into a tackle well and played a pass into midfield. Unfortunately involved in the second goal, with Norwich slicing their way down the left to score.

Jack Taylor 6

It was a surprise to see such a key man start and he had to tread carefully after collecting a second minute caution. He looked sharper than most, apart from his shooting.

Jason Knight 8 

You can see why Rosenior wants to keep Knight at right-back. Dovetails really well with Mendez-Laing on that right-hand side

Knight has ten days to leave Derby or we'll have ourselves a league 1 right back... at least till January.

18/8/22

Europa Conference League

Conor Coventry 6

With Declan Rice suspended and Flynn Downes currently having a minor concern over a toe issue, Conor Coventry was thrown in from the off and started in the centre of midfield next to Tomas Soucek. Viborg tried to add tempo in midfield as much as they could and it gave plenty for Coventry to deal with, Viborg getting joy countering the Hammers at times. Better after the break, seemed to be given more freedom, allowing him to better express a range of passing. Taken off late on.

20/8/22

Premier League

Nathan Collins 6

Collins produced one excellent challenge to prevent Son from finding a way past Sa when the South Korean was one on one. He backed that up with a number of good blocks, but Collins switched off for a split second at a corner and Kane drifted in behind him to score the winner.

Mark Travers 5

Powerless to prevent Arsenal's three goals. Pulled off a good stop before the first, but was let down by poor performances from those in front of him. Could perhaps have looked to claim more crosses to ease the burden on the centre-backs, but this is a minor point. Made several good saves late on to prevent the Cherries from conceding more.

Championship

Scott Hogan 6

Had one early shot which probably shouldn't have been blocked, then fluffed a counter attack when Bacuna had flown past him. Kept his work-rate up but the ball wouldn't drop for him in the box.

Josh Cullen 5

Played into trouble by Muric but a bad touch allowed Corbeanu to strike. Booked in second half.

CJ Hamilton 6

Lively off the bench and whilst his decision making could've been better, he drove Blackpool up the pitch.

Robbie Brady 7

Was one step ahead of others on plenty of occasions and created a couple of chances in the game. Tried to play at the right speed and tempo but was reduced to sending in hopeful crosses towards the end.

Alan Browne 6

Two good chances for him to score over the piece and Bachmann saved well on both occasions, in either half. Sometimes looked to do too much on the ball but okay on the whole. Covered plenty of ground at both ends of the pitch.

Troy Parrott 6

Dropped deep to link up play and was lively in the first half. Looked after the ball well up against big defenders but drifted in and out of the game in the second half. Had a couple of sights at goal - one saved from distance and another blocked.

Greg Cunningham 6

Passed well out from defence. Lack of pace an issue at times as Watford got joy in behind.

Jimmy Dunne 6

Lots to admire about the big Irishman’s passion, will to win and commitment – and one buccaneering run down the left wing that forced a corner in the first half was sight to behold. However, he has to take responsibility for the Rotherham goal by yet again failing to clear the ball from danger when he diverted it straight into the path of Chiedozie Ogbene for a simple finish. Almost handed another chance to the Millers in the second half with a very poor quick free-kick. Arguably looks more comfortable in a back three.

Sinclair Armstrong 6

A typically barnstorming cameo from off the bench for the teenager, but he will be cursing himself after spurning a glorious chance to open his account when he found himself one on one with Johansson but shot tamely at the Swede. A sign of things to come for him from Championship defenders when he was poleaxed off the ball and behind the referee’s back by a Rotherham player. Put the ball on the plate for Chair to score with a fine run and cross, but needs to find the composure to match his hugely impressive enthusiasm.

Olamide Shodipo 6

Another player guilty of failing to get a touch on a cross into the six-yard box with no-one close to him when he spurned Chair’s fine pass by letting the ball run across him for what should have been his first QPR goal.

Jeff Hendrick 7.5

Tenacious and energetic display by the Irishman who had a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet. Firstly, he had a shot deflected over the bar and he almost latched onto a pass by Tom Ince but let the ball run past him.

Shane Long 7.5

Another hard-working display from the fan favourite but didn't have much to show for his efforts. Had a decent chance to score early in the second half but couldn't get his shot away cleanly. Had an hour before making way for Joao.

Darragh Lenihan 7 - Star Man

Boro's best as he kept two good strikers in Long and then Joao quiet throughout.

John Egan 6 

Relatively comfortable afternoon for the Republic of Ireland international up against Brereton Diaz. Got the better of that one.

Sam Szmodics 5

Was tasked with sitting on Norwood at the base of Sheffield United's midfield. Didn't get any service to try and affect the game going forward.

Gavin Kilkenny 6

Smashed in the face by Simms’ elbow. Kept wanting the ball and showed some tight turns.

Will Smallbone 5

A couple of dangerous runs down the inside channel without being able to find final ball. 

Ryan Manning 4

Caused a few issues when he moved back to the left, although he was looser than usual in possession.

Michael Obafemi 5

Barely got a sniff in the first-half as Swansea struggled to create chances. Worked hard to no avail.

Dara O'Shea 8

Big afternoon for Dara, who was handed the captain's armband in the absence of the benched Livermore. He was the consummate professional and showed great desire to add to Albion's tally at the death when a combination of him and a defender met the ball.

Jayson Molumby 8

Brought back into the side and partnered Okay from the off. Was everywhere and worked incredibly hard to revive attacks. Brought plenty of energy from minute 1 to minute 90 and possesses a nasty side that fans like.

League 1

Kieran Sadlier 4

Booked in closing stages and didn't make a great impact.

Mark McGuinness 8

An assured debut from the Cardiff City man on the left of the back three. Did his defensive duties with a minimum of fuss and looked calm on the ball.

Harry Charsley 7

Impressed on the opening day against Fleetwood. The fact he has struggled for game time since then shows the strength in depth of the Vale midfield.

Jason Knight 8 

You can see why Rosenior wants to keep Knight at right-back. Dovetails really well with Mendez-Laing on that right-hand side.

Eiran Cashin 7 

Might have had a goal if he controlled his effort a little bit better. Defended very well and was part of the build-up a lot.

Conor Hourihane 7 

Not as influential as he might have hoped. Had a couple of chances from distance in the first half.

James Collins 6 

Yet to find his shooting boots but he is getting into those areas and still causing defenders a world of hassle.

Warren O'Hora 7.5

A confident and assured outing after signing his new contract. Didn't put a foot wrong.

Conor Grant 6.5

Showed some good touches but too few and far between. Measured his pass to Robson for the goal really well though.

Jack Taylor 9

The second imperious midfield performance in a matter of days from a player revelling in the extra time and space at this level. Pretty much foot perfect on and off the ball.

Glenn Whelan 5

Was the enemy of the home fans when his challenge on Louis Thompson led to what looked like a serious injury for the Portsmouth midfielder. It was a forceful challenge, and it had significant consequences, but it did not appear to meet the typical criteria for a red card, catching Thompson on the side of the leg and the studs were not used. Taken off at half-time.

Joe Rafferty 8

Been a really impressive start to the Scouser's Pompey career and he continued in the same vein. Tenacious defensively and a constant option down the right.

Sean Raggett 5

Put in a typically robust display which was undone when he was caught napping and dispossessed by Marquis for the visitor's leveller. The former Blues striker had been in his pocket until that point.

Ronan Curtis 8

Really impressed as he was used at the top of the pitch with Colby Bishop. Set the tone for Pompey's pressing while causing his fair share of problems when in possession, but should have done better with one second-half chance.

Marcus Harness 7

Involved early, turning a corner wide and having another low effort saved, on an afternoon where he worked extremely hard, linked play really nicely and showed that his partnership with Davis could potentially be a really profitable one for Ipswich. His link-up with John-Jules was positive, too.

Scottish Premiership 

Jake Doyle-Hayes 6

Restored to the starting XI, he was tidy enough in midfield and did not allow a first-half yellow-card to stymie his combative instincts. Came off for Lewis Miller in the latter stages on game.

Jonny Hayes 7

Jonny Hayes marked the weekend win with his 300th appearance for the club. Goodwin joked that he was sick of “blowing smoke up Jonny’s backside every week” but the influence of the Irish winger is clear to see, all the more so when it is a team of individuals that needs to come together to form a cohesive unit. Hayes’ celebrations at full-time were enthusiastic enough to belie his 35 years as were the sprints on the flank he was still putting in as the game neared to its closure. Hugging Ross McCrorie and then Lopes, whom he had a few pointers to offer, Hayes showed why he can be such a critical part of Aberdeen this term given the influence and experience that he exerts.

16/8/22

Championship

Scott Hogan 7

A surging run and an accurate cross showed the assists of pre-season are going to continue into the campaign. Earned himself one pot-shot in the second half but this was a day for working hard without the ball.

Mark Sykes 5

Was enjoying a solid game until the bizarre incident after the hour mark when he received a straight red card for reacting to a challenge. Put his side under unnecessary pressure when his team were cruising. Up until then, he was proving to be a handful. Will now miss the next three games.

Josh Cullen 7

Delicious pass for Rodriguez goal and helped Clarets control the contest.

Robbie Brady 8

Excellent vision and range of passing to create openings in behind the Rotherham defence during the first half. Fizzed a deflected shot wide in the second half, early doors, and continued to have quality in his crossing.

Alan Browne 6

A couple of sloppy moments in possession in the first half. Got himself into good areas at times though and created a glorious chance for Parrott before the break. Improved in the second half and saw a shot from 20 yards held.

Troy Parrott 7

Started so brightly. Created a huge chance for Johnson after a purposeful drive forward and then went close himself moments later, showing quick feet inside the box. Had a massive opportunity just before half-time but was denied. Finishing touch was lacking, but work rate and link-up play very good, again.

Jimmy Dunne 6

Sometimes uncomfortable in possession but was typically combative.

Sinclair Armstrong 7

Was again excellent after coming on. Quick, powerful and with boundless energy – the youngster is great to watch and has so much potential.

League 1

Luca Connell 8

Did not get the glory like some others, but oils the wheels and was very tidy indeed.

Glenn Whelan 5

Could not change the pattern of the game. The Gas could not penetrate and Barnsley continued to fly forward onto anything loose.

Marcus Harness 8

The attacker ultimately came up with the winner in this game, firing home his third in as many league matches from outside the penalty area. Prior to that he had gotten away with one when an extremely loose backpass set Ahadme clear in the first half, with Walton bailing him out. His touch wasn’t always on point but he kept working hard, which allowed him to take his chance when it came. His start in an Ipswich shirt has been an excellent one. 

Warren O'Hora 7.5

Defended well throughout, didn't put a foot wrong but will be frustrated with the late Vale goal.

Conor Grant 6.5

Got on the ball and looked to get things going.

Jack Taylor 8

Much better from a player who should be strong at League One level. He was always looking for the ball and he generally used it wisely. His headed goal was a bonus and a good sign from a player who will be a threat when getting into the opposition penalty area. 

Joe Rafferty 7

Is proving a shrewd piece of business. Another solid performance.

Sean Raggett 8

Man mountain at the back again and set up Bishop’s equaliser.

Ronan Curtis 7

Was fired up for the occasion and endeavour was rewarded with a goal.

Jason Knight 7

Got into some great positions in the first half and there were a couple of occasions when he turned down the option of a cross to make an extra pass. Defended well, mind.

Eiran Cashin 7

Like Stearman was rarely tested as Derby had control of the game for large spells. Had a couple of willing runners in the Shrewsbury attack to contend with but was solid.

Conor Hourihane 6

The Derby midfielder always looked capable of making something happen in an attacking sense and created a good chance for Tom Barkhuizen in the first half.

James Collins 5

Foraged away up front without much joy as Shrewsbury, as you would expect under Steve Cotterill, were well organised. Never stopped looking for a chink in their armour.

David McGoldrick 5

Had a header saved by Marosi. Minutes will have done him the power of good.

17/8/22

Championship

Will Smallbone 6 

Forced lucky save from Steffen. Dangerous at times when he got on the ball in final third even if not everything came off.

Gavin Kilkenny 6 

On to try to help Stoke keep hold of the ball.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Was excellent at the back. Battled well throughout and orchestrated things.

Jeff Hendrick 7

Gave the team lots of energy in the midfield with his pressing and driving runs. Did tend to frustrate from time to time, though, when he got into some decent positions but then gave the ball away.

Shane Long 9

A masterclass from the veteran striker. Chased everything, won his headers, flicked the ball on, held it up, linked play up nicely - the full works. Only downer was not scoring a goal, although he did go close with fierce drive. Withdrawn for Joao.

Sam Szmodics 4

Pretty anonymous. Didn't see any of the ball due to the huge disconnect between defence and midfield. When he did have it, he struggled to create much.

John Egan 5

Lapse of concentration allowed the visitors back in it. Undercooked his pass to McAtee and Lynden Gooch pounced to race clear and lob Foderingham.

Dara O'Shea 6

Scythed down Ojo on the run in the first half, it was a blatant yellow card. From there, he was walking a bit of a tightrope against a lively and mobile forwards but generally fared okay. In truth, Albion's defence had little to worry about in the second half.

Jayson Molumby 5

Booked early on when tugging back O'Dowda. Threw himself into challenges but didn't always come away with the ball.

Callum Robinson 6

Looked the most likely of the subs to have an impact, wasn't far away from finding Grant shortly after coming on.

Callum O'Dowda 8 

Not his natural position, especially in a back four, so we didn't see his attacking prowess. Did a brilliant makeshift job, though.