Player Ratings 2022/23

25/2/23

Premier League 

Seamus Coleman - Everton 7

Another purposeful display from Everton’s captain but whereas he was able to push forward with regularity in the first half, he found himself penned back more after the break.

Gavin Bazunu - Southampton 5

Wasn't called into action all that much in the first half despite Leeds' dominance. Held his own when required before Leeds' goal which squirmed underneath him. Should have done better.

Championship

Luke McNally - Coventry 8

Made a terrific tackle on Clarke in the box as the wide man threatened to cut in on goal and made two solid challenges in the middle of the park to win possession before slipping a lovely ball to play in Gyokeres to set up Allen for the first goal. Good save to deny Diallo at his near post after the break. Superb throughout.

Kevin Long Birmingham - 7.5 (Star Man)

Outstanding first half display when he was on hand to head or clear everything, a one-on-one tackle in his own area against Carlton Morris was very composed. The Irishman was also a threat in the Luton box and didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Scott Hogan - Birmingham 5

Finally, after two or three games, a chance came his way, unfortunately he headed it into the stand. He had another in the second half too but hit the bar. Blues need their leading scorer to be more clinical.

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 7

Had nothing to do in the first half but was called into action in the second period when he made a good save with his feet at the near post. A quiet afternoon but an important clean sheet.

Mark Sykes - Bristol City 7

Managed to get so much space behind his full-back with some really well-timed runs. Final ball frustrating at times but got into some excellent areas. Had a strike blocked in the second half but certainly playing with confidence.

Sean McLoughlin - Hull 8 

Brilliant block to deny Mark Sykes from close range. Brilliant one midway through the second half to deny Sykes.

Cyrus Christie - Hull 7 

Plenty of energy in the first half, lacked defensive cover from Ozan in the opening stages. Seemed unlucky to me with the penalty shout. 

Josh Cullen - Burnley 8

Kept things ticking over well in central midfield for the Clarets. Cool and calm in possession throughout.

Michael Obafemi - Burnley 7

Made positive impact from the bench, scoring fourth goal.

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 5

A few uncharacteristically wayward passes from the centre back. Just didn't look his 100 percent best for whatever reason.

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff 6

Another who started well with a couple of strong bursts upfield. His influence waned as Cardiff's early dominance dissipated. Continued to put crosses into dangerous areas, though.

Greg Cunningham - Preston 5

A slice of misfortune with the own goal but an error nonetheless. That aside, he was committed as ever and put in a shift.

Alan Browne - Preston 7

Tried to inject some life into the first-half display and kept getting back in to defend when danger arose. The skipper did a job in the engine room and played the ball over the top for Cannon to go on and score.

Troy Parrott - Preston 6

Quiet in the first half and loose in some of his play, but improved in the second. Decision making let him down at times, but he showed some signs of linking up with Cannon and had a few runs at Wigan's back line.

Tom Cannon - Preston 7

Sent a dipping shot wide in the first half and then scored his first for the club in the second, with a lovely taken finish. His pass led to the winning of the penalty too. A solid performance from the Everton loan man, who stepped up when his team needed him.

Robbie Brady -;Preston 4

Introduced for the final 15 minutes or so and was shown two yellow cards.

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 5

Struggled at the heart of the Rangers defence. That area is a problem for Ainsworth.

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 7 

Scored his first goal since October at a crucial moment in the game. Did really well to beat Dieng to the ball and slip it through his legs. Ran his socks off. 

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 6

Back in the side after missing the Cardiff game because of illness. Did not have a massive impact but covered in front of the defence well and was always available for a pass.

Shane Long - Reading 6

Helped see the game out.

Andy Lyons - Blackpool 6 

Had a quiet first-half where we didn’t see a lot of him, but became much more of an attacking threat in the second.

John Egan - Sheffield United 8 (Star Man)

Tough gig up against Keinan Davis, who was a real handful last season in the colours of Nottingham Forest. Davis got in midway inside the first half but fluffed his lines, other than that Egan had him with his back to goal for much of the match. One moment in the second half where he was one on one against him but stood up well and his reading of the game was excellent.

Will Smallbone - Stoke 6

Industrious without reward and Millwall dealt relatively comfortably with set pieces. 

Dara O'Shea - West Brom 8

Maybe could've dealt with a first-half Boro move at source when he lost a battle for the ball when pressing high, but otherwise this was another showing worthy of his season. Used his body to keep Boro at bay when a high bouncing ball caused uncertainty. Went close with a header from a corner.

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 8

Delivered exactly why he was brought back into the side. Bite and energy aplenty. What might've been if he'd connected properly with Townsend's pull-back.

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 5

The game was ultimately lost in those three minutes when Boro conceded twice. Usually well-organised at the back, Boro just couldn't get to grips with the West Brom attack and Lenihan and McNair allowed Dike to run in between them for both goals.

League 1

Eiran Cashin - Derby 4 

Has been a pillar of consistency throughout the course of the campaign but looked rattled here as Barnsley pressed although in fairness, the midfield offered little protection in the first half. 

Conor Hourihane - Derby 4 

Fell asleep for the second goal and should have just followed Phillips but was too late by the time he realised the danger. Did have a hand in McGoldrick's goal and his free-kick should have led to a goal in the second half. 

Jason Knight - Derby 4.5 

The only midfielder who appeared to want to fight and scrap as one thunderous challenge in the first half proved. Also saw a shot saved. 

David McGoldrick - Derby 4.5 

Came close with a free-kick and scored with a brilliant chip to make it 2-1 which looked to have handed Derby a route back into the game. Not as influential as he usually is.

James Collins - Derby 4 

Striker was a toe away from pulling it back to 3-2. 

Tony Springett - Derby 4 

Crosses failed to find their target.

Luca Connell - Barnsley 

Was the least spectacular of the midfielders but contributed to a central three who clearly outshone former Reds captain Conor Hourihane and Spurs loanee Harvey White - both of whom the Reds tried to sign this season.

Dom Bernard - Forest Green 5

Didn’t contribute in attack and was replaced at half-time.

Corey O’Keeffe - Forest Green 6

Threatening in the second half, could have had a penalty but should have scored when put through on goal.

Paudie O’Connor - Lincoln 6

Consistently solid and led the back-line well.

Sean Roughan - Lincoln 6

Comfortable despite playing out of position in central defence.

Olamide Shodipo - Lincoln 5

Struggled to get on the ball and wasted a huge opportunity for Lincoln to kill the game off in the first half.

Dawson Devoy - MK Dons 5.5

Returned to the side after illness, but failed to fully fire and went missing for long periods before coming off.

Darragh Burns - MK Dons 5.5

Wasn't really able to get much traction when he came on.

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 9

He makes the odd error, usually with an ambitious pass, but he has been a complete class act since the change of manager. Bossed midfield with his tackling, anticipation and forward runs. Scored one, might have been denied a second one by his goal-poaching captain.

Finn Azaz - Plymouth 5 

Played alongside Jay Matete in central midfield after replacing Matt Butcher in the 33rd minute. His corner from the left was headed home by Macaulay Gillesphey to make the score 3-2 in the 58th minute.

Joe Rafferty - Portsmouth 8

Involved in the build-up for both the opening goals, while continues to impress with his crossing from the right. Really has provided Blues with a new dimension.

Sean Raggett - Portsmouth 8

Barely put a foot head all afternoon, while never lets Pompey down in the air. A dominant presence and deserve plenty of credit for protecting Macey so well during the Robins’ much-improved second half.

Ronan Curtis - Portsmouth 7

Capped a lovely move to earn Pompey’s third goal and always in the thick of the action. Yet wasted several great openings in the second-half to increase their lead, usually with a poor pass.

Scottish Premiership

Jonny Hayes - Aberdeen 5 

Replaced Ryan Duncan late on but never really got the chance to run at the Livi back line with his pace. 

12/3/23

Premier League

Gavin Bazunu - Southampton 8 (Star Man)

Got a big right hand on the ball to palm Marcus Rashford's effort away after 15 minutes before coming off his line to gather shortly after. Did just as well to deny Raphael Varane at the back post following a free-kick. Made an excellent fingertip stop to deny Bruno Fernandes on 70 minutes. 

Nathan Collins - Wolves 5

Collins was a surprise substitute and Wolves struggled to adapt to a back three. Newcastle seized their opportunity and made Lopetegui pay for his change.

Scottish Cup

Ryan Nolan - Raith 6

Nolan was excellent other than his own goal but, at 2-0, it killed off any real chance of Rovers getting back into the game.

14/3/22

Championship

Andy Lyons - Blackpool 9 (Star Man)

What a buy. Took his two goals well and could have even more as he enjoyed himself playing as a flying wing-back.

CJ Hamilton - Blackpool 9

Terrorised QPR all night long. Involved in a number of goals, his pace a huge threat in behind. 

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 4

Another Rangers centre-back whose decline this season has been stark. He was terrible again as Blackpool looked like scoring every time they ventured forward.

Danny McNamara - Millwall 7

Not as effective as he can be going forward but stuck to his work down the right flank and covered well when Millwall poured players forward at set pieces.

Ryan Manning - Swansea 6

Some good use of the ball and had a decent header saved in the first half. Desperately unlucky with the deflection that led to Andreas Voglsammer's goal. Fired wide at the end.

Greg Cunningham - Preston 7

Another committed shift from the Irishman. Started the game with aggression and made sure he was competitive in his duels. Could've done better for Rotherham's goal.

Alan Browne - Preston 7

A decent shift from the skipper upon his return to the team. Set the tone in the engine room and provided the cross which led to Cannon's opener.

Robbie Brady - Preston 7

Started a little bit erratic but settled into the game and worked tirelessly. Lovely composure with his cushioned header which set up Cannon to score the opening goal. Supported attacks constantly down the left.

Tom Cannon - Preston 9

He is getting better and better. In the right place at the right time for his goal, but a great evening's work aside from that. Had one chalked off and hit the crossbar too. Always on the move in the final third and linked play up efficiently.

Troy Parrott - Preston 6

Added fresh legs at the top end of the pitch and was a willing runner. Retained possession more often than not. Strayed offside once or twice when the chance looked on to kill the match.

Kevin Long - Birmingham 5

Long struggled in the first half and Davis breezed by him for Watford’s second goal. He improved in the second half and tried to play on the front foot. He took a booking to stop Davis in a dangerous position.

Scott Hogan - Birmingham 5

The striker missed a gilt-edged chance at the start of the second half.

Luke McNally - Coventry 7.5

Defended on the front foot, reading the game really well to intercept danger and winning all of his challenges in another faultless display from the outstanding Burnley loan signing.

Sean Maguire - Coventry 6

Worked hard in the No.10 role, pressing well and dropping into pockets of space to make himself available, as he did when fed by Hamer in the 27th minute and hitting an angled shot that was desperately cleared. Gave the ball away sloppily in his own half to invite danger on one occasion. Withdrawn at the break.

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 6 

Tested defensively by a Stoke side that showed more attacking intent than most teams at the Riverside. Solid.

Jack Bonham - Stoke 6 

Theatrical save to stop a Ramsey header. Some brave keeping at times.

Will Smallbone - Stoke 8 

Nipped in to nick possession in useful areas and got into good positions to pull back.- Tempo instrumental to Stoke’s game. Fierce shot well saved. 

League 1

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 8

Some majestic moments on the ball including a superb pass to help create the final Posh goal. Did the dirty work as well.

15/3/23

Premier League

Evan Ferguson - Brighton 7

May start the next game off the back of his cameo as he arguably did more than Welbeck in 12 minutes than the 32-year-old did in nearly 80.

Gavin Bazunu - Southampton 6 

Growing in confidence following his display at Old Trafford and looked comfortable here. Saved well with his feet from Bryan Mbuemo early on but could do little to stop Toney's opener. 

Championship

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 7 

A busy performance from the summer signing. He got into some good positions and again the move just lacked the final touch. His best run of form since coming to the club. 

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 5

Kept things ticking over in the midfield with some nice short passes and found pockets of space.

Shane Long - Reading 6

Started out on the left side of a front three and worked the Rovers defence hard with his direct running and strength. Put in a very good shift and appeared to pick up cramp late on.

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 7

With a wing-back one side of him and a right-back the other side, Cardiff needed his height, reach and physicality. Can hold his head up high after that one.

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff 5

Stuck in a couple of crosses, but had no targets of note to really hit, which was disappointing. Might have done better to stop Jed Wallace's cross for Dike's goal.

Dara O’Shea - West Brom 8 (Star Man)

A superb defender and a superb servant to the Baggies team after being pictured last week purchasing a retro West Brom shirt in Birmingham. The 24-year-old is a real anchor to the Albion defence and showed yet again tonight registering three clearances, three blocked shots, won two of his two ground duels and three of his six aerial challenges.

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 5

A sturdy presence in the middle of the pitch but this wasn’t one of his better games in an Albion shirt.

Josh Cullen - Burnley 8

Oozes class. A lot of what he does might not be visible to the naked eye, but he’s so influential and integral to the mechanics of this Burnley side. Reads the game ever-so-well, breaks up play, wins the second balls, orchestrates passing sequences from deep, whether as the pivot or dropping into the hole to feed the full backs, and provides an extra layer of protection for his defence. He has everything you’d wish for in a midfielder in his mould.

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 7

Had no chance with the opening goal as Morris' header found the corner. Saved Pring's blushes with a good tackle following a short backpass. Kept City in the game with a save to deny Morris in the second half. Stood up to Luton's aerial threat.

Mark Sykes - Bristol City 7

Made a crucial block on the line to deny Luton from doubling their lead after 12 minutes which was almost as good as a goal. Handed a good test up against Doughty and dealt with him well throughout the game. Managed to get forward when possible, and provided an opportunity for Weimann for City's first shot on target.

John Egan - Sheffield United 5 

A mix-up with Robinson for the opening goal and was turned on a couple of occasions. Was also beaten too easy on occasion when his man ran at him. Caught out of position racing forward plenty of times.

3/4/23

Premier League

Seamus Coleman - Everton 7

Had to make some crucial interceptions and was a willing outlet going forward for the first 60 minutes before having to dig deep after the sending off.

4/4/23

Premier League

Evan Ferguson - Brighton 8

What a finish for his opener. Instinctive and clever backheel. Four Premier League goals now for 18-year-old and eight in all competitions. Missed a fine chance in the second half when he blazed over from 10 yards.

7/4/23

Championship

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 6

Tried to create overloads in wide areas but couldn't make anything happen. Works hard but that final spark is missing again. 

CJ Hamilton - Blackpool 6

Denied by the keeper’s legs with a shot on his weaker right foot before Josh Bowler tapped home Blackpool’s goal. 

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 7

Was stretched by Morgan Rogers a little early on in the game but was solid enough. Good in the air and on the ground.

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 5

Shaky throughout and both Dunne and Balogun were at fault for the second goal when they failed to deal with a routine ball over the top. Farcical defending.

Alan Browne - Preston 7

Played well before being forced off just before half time. A worrying knock for him, with the captain hobbling off the field. Had brought intensity and energy to PNE's performance and hit the post with a curled shot from inside the box.

Robbie Brady - Preston 8

Backed to start and didn't let his manager down. A steady first half performance and then delivered the inviting cross for Cannon to convert. Put a real shift in and used the ball well.

Troy Parrott - Preston 6

Ran himself into the ground, always on the move across the front line. Carried the fight to QPR's defenders and tracked back brilliantly towards the end, to stop a QPR break from resulting in a goal. Saw two good chances go begging first half.

Tom Cannon - Preston 9 (Star Man)

His goals ultimately won the game for Preston and that composure and class in the final third is gold dust. His header was emphatic and the second as clinical as it gets. To produce those two moments after a quiet first half, shows the confidence and focus in him.

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 5

A passenger in the midfield who really had very little impact on the game. Overrun in the first half and while he improved somewhat in the second, he gave the side very little to work with.

Kevin Long - Birmingham 7.5

Covered behind Roberts to make an important tackle near the bye-line in the opening 45. Seemed to be in the right position for almost the whole game. A composed and unfussy display.

Scott Hogan - Birmingham 5

Didn't have much impact.

John Egan - Sheffield United 6 

Comfortable afternoon for the Republic of Ireland international for most parts. Marshalled his defenders well and dealt with the threat of Ashley Fletcher, who was replaced on the hour mark. Only slight blot on his copybook was a mis-cued clearance that put his side under pressure and led to the cross for Aasgaard to head goalwards but was grateful to Foderingham for his finger-tip save.

Jack Bonham - Stoke 6 

Out quickly to put pressure on Wells in one-on-one. Beaten by a looping header for equaliser. 

Will Smallbone - Stoke 6 

Helped Stoke dominate the opening stages but couldn’t maintain his influence through the afternoon. 

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 7

Had no chance with the opening goal but made an important save close to half-time to deny Campbell's header. Made another decent stop from Laurent at the near post.

Ryan Manning - Swansea 7

Put in a fine cross for Darling early on and linked up well with Liam Walsh. Very lucky to get away with a loose pass that was intercepted by Hamer though. The most likely to create something at times, as his cross for Liam Walsh at the start of the second half proved.

Luke McNally - Coventry 7

Make a welcome return to form on a day when he had his work cut out trying to keep tabs on wide forward Liam Cullen and more than played his part in the clean sheet.

Sean McLoughlin - Hull 6 

A tough, tough night. Didn't play all that badly despite the goals against. Had to withstand a fair amount of balls into his box. 

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 5

Off night for the usually-commanding defender. Barnes gave him a contest and he had a couple of lapse moments in and out of possession.

Josh Cullen - Burnley 8.5 (Star Man)

Tremendous. Executes every part of his game excellently and effortlessly. Recovered the ball on countless occasions when Boro threatened to break, continuously taking it upon himself to do the dirty work, which allowed Josh Brownhill and Johann Berg Gudmundsson a little more freedom and flexibility in their roles, while his quality on the ball allowed the visitors to assert some control. Unfortunate to concede a penalty, as replays showed.

Michael Obafemi - Burnley 5

Replaced Tella before full-time. Booked for kicking ball away.

League 1

Eiran Cashin - Derby 6.5 

It was his superb crossfield pass that played such a crucial role in the opener. Kept his composure and will have enjoyed a much-needed clean sheet

Jason Knight - Derby 6.5 

Did a lot of chasing and buzzed around midfield in an attempt to close Rovers down. Covered a lot of ground and showed good energy levels. 

Conor Hourihane - Derby 6 

Dropped in between the centre-backs at times in a bid to get Derby moving in the first half but then popped up in the final third where he had a shot blocked. 

David McGoldrick - Derby 7.5 

The pass to set up Collins for a chance in the first half was levels above League One and showed some delightful touches across the 90 minutes. Got the goal his performance deserved. 

James Collins - Derby 7.5 

Had an electric start which saw him win and score the penalty that gave Derby the lead with barely a minute gone. Put his bundle in both offensively and defensively. Led from the front. 

Marcus Harness - Ipswich 6 

Looked to get involved without making a major impact. 

Paudie O’Connor - Lincoln 7

Consistent as ever from the Irishman as he played his part in another clean sheet for the Imps.

Danny Mandroiu - Lincoln 7

Showed some very clever touches, and worked extremely hard up front to win the ball back.

Olamide Shodipo - Lincoln 7.5

Fantastic when he came on. Was a shame to lose Bishop, but Shodipo filled his shoes more than adequately. A constant threat down the left, and he had a couple of great runs on the ball.

Conor Grant - MK Dons 5.5

Starved of the ball in the first-half, his main contribution was an air-shot from the edge of the box. Withdrawn for Holland early in the second-half.

Joe Rafferty - Portsmouth 6

Hands full with Eisa and had to rein in his attacking tendencies as Pompey defended deeper and deeper. 

Sean Raggett - Portsmouth 9 (Star Man)

Wand of a right foot! Opened up MK with a lovely assist for Ogilvie’s goal. Should have done better with a header, but was an absolute colossus as he stood firm in the face of MK Dons’ second-half onslaught.

Tyreik Wright - Plymouth 6 

A surprising choice to play in the 'number 10' position behind the two strikers in Argyle's 3-4-1-2 formation as he made his first appearance since the 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town at Home Park on February 18. Did not create too much for the Pilgrims and later moved to left wing back after Mickel Miller was taken off as the visitors chased a second goal.

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 8 

Struck the post early on with a fine drive and scored in the final stages after a well-timed run into the penalty area. In between he was classy, often taking the ball under pressure from an opponent, but rarely losing it.

8/4/23

Premier League 

Seamus Coleman - Everton 5

His individual mistake gifted United their second goal as he failed to control a Lisandro Martinez long ball which slipped under his foot and enabled Rashford to square to Martial which was cruel after he had carved out an enticing opportunity for Simms when the game was still goalless and had largely dealt well with the pacy Sancho.

Evan Ferguson - Brighton 6

Added a physical presence up front but his job was made harder by Spurs sitting back and getting men behind the ball to cut off his options.

Gavin Bazunu - Southampton 4

Palmed away an early effort from Jack Grealish but could do little to stop Haaland's powerful header from the six-yard line. Did well to stop Grealish's initial effort for the second goal but put it straight back to the England international to follow-up. The second time he's conceded four against City this season. 

Scottish Premiership

Liam Scales - Aberdeen 7

The Irishman looks comfortable in Robson's preferred three man back line, and went about his business very well. 

Jonny Hayes - Aberdeen 6

Plenty of industry but the veteran could have made more of some opportunities when he found himself in dangerous situations. 

Omobamidele getting a very very poor review. Ouch!

Some good reviews in there, notably Cullen and Molumby, but Knight and Hendrick getting middling ratings.

Manning getting such high praise yet not in our squads is an odd one alright.

Hendrick has been getting constant poor ratings and reviews for weeks now. He is playing regularly  but not well, on current form his place in the Irelnd squad could be in doubt

Great work as always YTM, fair play.

22/4/23

FA Cup

John Egan - Sheffield United 7 (Star Man)

United's best player. Superb at the back, reading of the game was excellent and showed his experience in the first half when Alvarez was into the area but he kept his composure and stood up well before clearing.

Championship

Kevin Long - Birmingham 5.5

Long won’t want to watch the Blackpool goal again after his loose pass played Etheridge into trouble. He was skinned a couple of times by the lively Rogers and missed a decent chance in the first half.

Andy Lyons – Blackpool 7

Brilliant energy – he never stops.

CJ Hamilton – Blackpool 7

Ran channels well and could have scored late on to put the gloss on it.

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 6

Didn't have a shot to save in the first half but showed his safe pair of hands from crosses in the opening 45 minutes. Little chance in saving the penalty. Looked nervy in the second period when City were put under pressure.

Mark Sykes - Bristol City 6

Managed to dig out a couple of dangerous crosses but to no effect.

Josh Cullen - Burnley 7

Quality as has come to be expected in the middle of the park, but did not have quite the same influence after the break.

Michael Obafemi - Burnley 6

Replaced Maatsen for the final 15 minutes. Added some energy upfront.

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 7

Did well against his former club, particularly in the second half. Always determined.

Sinclair Armstrong - QPR 7

The timing of his introduction and the impact he had with his power and pace played a massive part in the win. It unsettled Burnley just as they were looking set to push on and get the points.

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 7

It wasn't his man - but he was one of the players to get outjumped from the corner for Josh Laurent's goal. Steady thereafter, though, both defensively and with the ball.

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff 9 (Star Man)

Showed impeccable composure on more than one occasion to stop some attacks down his flank. Made one or two marauding runs down the wing as well. Was the standout player for the hosts by a country mile.

Jack Bonham - Stoke 7

Let the ball through his legs for Sory Kaba to level but redeemed himself by getting low to palm away the striker’s penalty in the second half.

Will Smallbone - Stoke 7

Provided some moments of quality, not least with the corner that assisted Laurent’s goal. Spent a lot of time stuck near the touchline before Sterling took over duties on the wide right.

Luke McNally - Coventry 7

Dominant in the air and alert to danger, the Burnley loan man defended well throughout. Made some impressive runs upfield in the second half to spark attacks.

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 5

The Newcastle United loanee was involved heavily in the midfield and was neat and tidy on the ball early on, but the Reading midfield was overrun on plenty of occasions. 

Shane Long - Reading 5

Back in the squad and was introduced with Reading chasing the game, but unable to make much of an impact. 

Sean McLoughlin – Hull 7 

Got away with an undercooked header back to Darlow that Pedro then put over the bar, but generally solid, especially second half. Too ambitious with some of his balls forward at times, squandering possession unnecessarily. 

Harry Vaughan – Hull 7 

Made his home debut for the club, starting on the left wing. Touch let him down a couple of times, but played a part in several promising moves, including the one that drew the foul on Slater inside the box. Made a nuisance of himself off the ball. 

Andrew Omobamidele - Norwich 4

Hesitant throughout. Typified by winning a header to halt a Swansea counter and then running the ball out of play under no pressure as he struggled to control it.

Locked onto Latibeaudiere too late inside the Norwich box to prevent a glancing header past Angus Gunn from 10 yards. Bounced off Ntcham for the third, when he burst between the Norwich captain and the right back.

Adam Idah - Norwich 4

Laid off for Liam Gibbs to try and pick out Sargent. Was in the vicinity, but not able to prevent Grimes threading a ball for the overlapping Manning in the build up to Swansea's second goal.

Offered no goal threat before McCallum's dismissal. None of the punch of his second half cameo at QPR, capped by a first goal under Wagner. Was the one to make way in the aftermath of Norwich going down to 10.

Ryan Manning - Swansea 9 (Star Man)

Dear owners. Give this man a new contract. Yours sincerely, everyone connected to Swansea City. Two assists in the opening half and went agonisingly close to netting himself in what was yet another superb display.

Troy Parrott - Preston 6

Never gave the Rovers back line a moment of peace and had moments. Was just waiting for that golden opening, which never came.

Tom Cannon - Preston 6

Had half-chances in and around the box but a Rovers man always seemed to be there to get a foot in. Saw an early effort trickle just wide. A frustrating afternoon for him probably.

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 8

Doesn’t like his non-stop workrate being mentioned, seeing that as a given for all players, but it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. Had one goal ruled out for handball but took his second chance like a true striker, a role he could well have to fulfil moving forward.

League 1

Jason Knight - Derby 6.5

Managed to get forward on a few occasions when the space presented itself and defended his side of the pitch pretty well against a canny operator in Mustapha Carayol.

Eiran Cashin - Derby 6.5 

Couple of passes went astray and to hold his hands up for one after he gave it away in midfield by trying to be too clever in the first half. Defended well mind and produced a big challenge at the end. 

Conor Hourihane - Derby 8 (Star Man)

The former Aston Villa man was perhaps Derby's best player. Produced some neat passes in tight areas and his set-pieces were on point. His best game for a while and was bang at it. 

David McGoldrick - Derby 8

Showed the expected moments of class and finally scored from the penalty spot. Where would they be without him? Mr Dependable and could have left this game with a hat-trick. 

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 5.5

Posh couldn't get their best player on the ball in the first-half and when he did get it he usually passed it away. More involved after the break when deployed in a deeper position and whistled one fierce shot just wide.

Finn Azaz - Plymouth 6 

Was a 79th minute substitute for Danny Mayor, with Argyle at that stage in control at 3-1 up. Azaz has not had the same spark about him since he returned from a broken ankle but a player of his ability is always capable of a moment of magic, and that could be important for the Pilgrims in their final three games.

Joe Rafferty - Portsmouth 6

Always looking to drive forward and such an influential presence. Made little inroads in an attacking sense, but always reliable in defensive situations. 

Scottish Premiership

Jake Doyle-Hayes - Hibs 6

Didn’t reach he heights of his derby performance against Hearts, but he wasn’t the only one. Kept working to the end.

23/4/23

Championship

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 8 (Star Man)

Got his feet in a muddle in the first minute in an early opening. Might've had a penalty in the first half. Runs, and runs, and runs. Got Albion into dangerous areas with his tireless running and driving dribbles.