Player Ratings 2022/23

29/5/23

I don't think I've ever come across player ratings for Motherwell unfortunately. In Scotland it's usually just the two Glasgow teams, the two Edinburgh teams and Aberdeen usually. Dundee United occasionally.

12/5/23

League 1 Playoffs

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 9.5

His price tag must be rising with every appearance. He might have been rewarded with the perfect mark, but for one horrible first-half pass which caused a problem for his defenders. His speed off the mark enables him to leave opponents trailing and his passing, while sometimes optimistic, always carries a threat. Opened the scoring here slightly fortuitously and showed great presence of mind as well pinpoint accuracy to create the fourth goal. 

13/5/23

League 1 Playoffs

Luca Connell - Barnsley 7 

Received a few early jeers from fans of his former club. Steady performance. 

Scottish Premiership

Liam Scales - Aberdeen 6

Like his defensive partners, was given a tough test by the Hibs front two. Was also on tenderhooks from the get-go after receiving a yellow card with less than a minute on the clock after Jonny Hayes had sold him short with a pass. 

Jonny Hayes - Aberdeen 5

Got into some promising positions in wide areas, but was badly let down by his crossing and final ball. Full of running as always but squandered possession on numerous occasions and was unable to link up with Luis Duk Lopes down the left. 

14/5/23

Premier League

Evan Ferguson - Brighton 7

Came up against the physical Gabriel and while he did not have it all his own way, the teenager got stuck in and gave the Brazilian plenty to think about with his strength and movement.

Championship Playoffs

Luke McNally - Coventry 7

Won his early headers and personal battles against Cameron Archer who drifted to his side of the pitch. Brought the ball out well, taking it over the halfway line on occasions. Defended solidly throughout to help keep a vital clean sheet.

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 8

A good shout for man of the match after a dominant display. He didn't give Gyokeres a sniff and won numerous headers as vital times for his side. That Coventry didn't have a shot on target on their turf is a testament to the defence, ushered by Lenihan, as a whole.

23/4/23

Scottish Premiership

Liam Scales - Aberdeen 10 (Star Man)

By far and away the Irishman's best game in an Aberdeen jersey. Was very comfortable in possession and his ability to read situations allowed him to pounce on that ball that lead to his sensational goal. Even if he didn't mean it, the defender deserves all the praise for a fantastic all round performance.

Jonny Hayes - Aberdeen 8

Celebrated his contract extension with a typical Jonny Hayes showing. Full of running, endeavour and played his part in the lead up to Miovski's goal. Boss Robson admits it was a "no brainer" to hand the 35-year old a new contract, and you can see why. 

24/4/23

Championship

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 8

Brilliant and commanding throughout in a great battle with Carlton Morris. So unfortunate in the manner possession was turned over for what proved to be the attack leading to the penalty. But otherwise superb as he orchestrated an unfamiliar back four on top of his own performance.

25/4/23

Championship 

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 7

Pressed very intelligently alongside Dolan in attack. Had a few low-key efforts on goal which Muric mopped up. 

Josh Cullen - Burnley 7

Look good on the ball when given the chance to do so. Booked early in the second half for bringing down Ben Brereton Diaz.

Paudie O’Connor - Lincoln 6

Consistent as per usual from O’Connor, and was aggressive in his defending to win the ball a couple of times.

Olamide Shodipo - Lincoln 5

Worked hard and came very close to scoring before his withdrawal. Showed a couple of poor touches in the second half though.

Dylan Duffy - Lincoln 6

Had a bright first half, drilled a shot wide from 20 yards which was comfortably City’s best effort of the opening period. Surprised that he was replaced at the break.

Danny Mandroiu - Lincoln 6

City’s best player in the second half. Was the Imps’ most likely source of a goal.

Finn Azaz - Plymouth 6 

Replaced Danny Mayor as one of Argyle's two number 10s from the start of the second half and could have made the score 3-0 when he was set up for a shot by Bali Mumba but sent the ball wide of the near post.

26/4/23

Championship

John Egan - Sheffield United 7

Had a golden chance to put United 2-0 up and relax Bramall Lane further when Berge's excellent cross picked him out, but he headed down and wide of the left-hand post.

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 6

Corberan wanted personality, desire and capability - you know what you'll get from Molumby by way of an attitude and his ability to cope in such environments isn't to be questioned, but he wasn't quite as dynamic as he has been in recent games.

27/4/23

Championship

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 7

Won everything in the air and was strong in the tackle. A solid performance.

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff 6

Threw himself about nicely, but couldn't quite influence proceedings. Subbed at half-time with a knock.

28/4/23

Championship 

Andy Lyons - Blackpool 6

Forced out of position on a couple of occasions due to errors elsewhere. Even filled in at centre-half during the final stages of the game.

CJ Hamilton - Blackpool 5

Lost the ball cheaply for Millwall’s first two goals. Tripped for the penalty, which looked generous upon watching back.

29/4/23

Premier League

Nathan Collins - Wolves 3

Collins’ poor clearance handed the ball to Welbeck, who fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box for Brighton's fifth.

Championship

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 6

Had absolutely no chance with Manuel Benson's screamer but made an important save with his legs just minutes after. Denied Twine on the stroke of half-time. Perhaps could have done better with Rodriguez's effort.

Mark Sykes - Bristol City 7

Barely put a foot wrong coming on at right-back. Always wanted the ball out on the touchline.

Josh Cullen - Burnley 8

Solid and reliable in the middle of the park on the ball, as per usual. Rarely gave the ball away in alert pass and moving display.

Michael Obafemi - Burnley 5.5

Played centrally after coming on. Added some energy in the final third.

Luke McNally - Coventry 7.5

Won his early headers amid a confident start from the Burnley loan defender who was right on top of his game. Pinged a lovely long diagonal to Hamer to spark a first half attack. Outstanding throughout, getting the better of Jutkiewicz time and time again.

Kevin Long - Birmingham 5.5

Long has been struggling with illness recently but he battled through to play another 90 minutes and was the pick of the defensive bunch. Neither Long or Roberts could handle Gyokeres.

Harry Vaughan - Hull 7

Terrific start to the game, his every touch exciting the crowd. A lovely ball in fashioned the opener, lost his way as the half wore on but responded well in the second. Another good showing for the teenager. 

Ryan Manning - Swansea 7

Typically bright down the left-hand side. Worked his socks off and put some decent balls into the box.

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 6

An impressive performer in the first half but tailed off badly in the second half and was left chasing shadows for large parts of the second half.

Shane Long - Reading 5

Back in the 11 after his sub appearance last week. Played mainly out wide on the right and worked a real shift with his running and cute play. Got little reward, though, and withdrawn for Azeez.

Tom Cannon - Preston 5

A quiet game up top. Had a chance at the start of the second half but saw it smothered. Didn't look after the ball or use it well enough and cut another frustrated figure in yellow.

Troy Parrott - Preston 5

Looked annoyed with the decision-making from teammates in the first half, with him making runs but not receiving the ball. Had a couple of openings over the game, but couldn't find the finish.

Jack Bonham - Stoke 3

Comfortable save when Jamal Lowe rolled in the only short of the first half. Abysmal goalkeeping to push shot to Adomah for goal. 

Will Smallbone - Stoke 4

Rushed forward to win a couple of corners through the first half but set pieces largely came to nothing.

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 8

Won vital challenges and was as wholehearted as ever.

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 7

Was a classy presence in the heart of midfield for West Brom, dictating the tempo of the match with his passing range. Came close to scoring but was denied by a stunning block from Andrew Omobamidele. Kept things under control as the game progressed and went into game management mode after taking the lead. The midfielder was embroiled in some late gamesmanship antics to the amusement of the home faithful.

Andrew Omobamidele - Norwich 6

Dragged out of position and outnumbered for Albion's goal when Thomas-Asante freed the overlapping Townsend. Caught flat-footed in the eighth minute when Thomas-Asante broke free to test Angus Gunn.

Fantastic spreading block to foil Jayson Molumby, who looked set to score from a cut back in the 39th minute. Not a memory to cherish on his 50th senior appearance, and leading the team out.

League 1

Jason Knight - Derby 6.5

Was excellent in the first 25 minutes but the Pompey goal killed Derby's momentum when they were well on top and should have been ahead given their chances. Showed great energy.

Eiran Cashin - Derby 6 

Did okay in defence and was untroubled in the first 25 minutes as Derby dominated the game but couldn't make their pressure count. Was very composed after the break. 

Conor Hourihane - Derby 8 

Showed a bit of edge that was good to see in a challenge with Joe Morrell and was crisp in possession when he had the ball. Looked to switch play when he could and was excellent. 

David McGoldrick - Derby 6 

Derby's top scorer did his best, but was denied by Matt Macey on a couple of occasions. Kept plugging away in the second half and saw a shot blocked. 

James Collins - Derby 7 

Took his goal brilliantly and was a real nuisance when he came on. 

Joe Rafferty - Portsmouth 7

Dug in defensively and unsurprisingly unable to make too many inroads attacking that right flank. One of the success stories of the season and a pivotal figure, with plenty about him.

Warren O'Hora - MK Dons 6

It should have been a day to celebrate for O'Hora as he scored in his first home game since January. But speaking afterwards, admitted Barnsley's comeback goals all came down his side.

Conor Grant - MK Dons 6.5

Phased in and out of the game, but played a key role at the start of the second-half as Dons hit the gas.

Dawson Devoy - MK Dons 6

Didn't get much opportunity.

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 5

Aside from one impressive surging run into the opposition penalty area, this was a poor showing from the star midfielder. No lack of effort, but lost possession too easily and ignored a couple of easy-looking through balls in the second-half in favour of more difficult ones.

Finn Azaz - Plymouth 7 

Took over from Danny Mayor in a straight swap positionally in the 61st minute and played an important part in Argyle controlling the closing stages of the game. Had one decent scoring chance but dragged one shot across the face of goal.

18/4/23

Championship

Andy Lyons - Blackpool 5

Performed okay in the main but he ought to have done better for West Brom’s second, which put the game to bed. 

CJ Hamilton - Blackpool 6

Pace caused problems down the left flank and his end product was better. Quieter in the second-half though. 

Jayson Molumby - West Brom 7

Last week’s brace scorer Molumby strutted his stuff and got about the Seasiders’ midfield to great effect as they struggled to get into the final third to help their attackers.

Josh Cullen - Burnley 7.5

Energetic and reliable in possession in the middle of the park. A quality showing from the midfielder, as has come to be expected.

Michael Obafemi - Burnley 5.5

Did not make much impact owing to time constraints.

John Egan - Sheffield United 7

Superb display at the back. Won almost everything that came his way, reading of the game was good with a couple of timely interceptions and also produced a lovely pass down the line to release Ndiaye.

Max O'Leary - Bristol City 6

A little nervy moment in the first half but a strong performance on the back of the Watford defeat. Commanded his area well although kicks to Cornick were hit and miss. Not much he could have done with the winner.

Mark Sykes - Bristol City 7

Was heavily involved on the right side, getting crosses into the area but with no one on the end of them.

Jack Bonham - Stoke 4 

Barely had anything to do but pick ball out of net and seemed to lose confidence thereafter, clutching at thin air for cross then refusing to come for ball. 

Will Smallbone - Stoke 6 

A couple of well-placed set pieces generated chances. 

Danny McNamara - Millwall 5

His mistake was costly for the opening goal - dived in and allowed Khadra to beat him easily. Showed intent and got forward after the break.

Kevin Long - Birmingham 8

Long is surely playing his way towards a new Blues contract. That is four clean sheets in six matches and the Irishman is right at the heart of it in defence.

League 1

Jack Taylor - Peterborough 7

Revelled in his more advanced midfield role in the first-half when he passed the ball crisply. A fine assist on the crucial opening goal. Found it harder to get on the ball after the break and Posh suffered as a result.

Jason Knight - Derby 8 

Played at right wing-back and had the lively Jake Caprice to deal with. Should have given Derby the lead early on, but was denied by a superb save. Always up for the fight and put in some shift. 

Eiran Cashin - Derby 7 

Did well in a couple of one v one situations when he came out on top by just biding his time. Didn't take many risks and adopted a safety-first approach. Solid. 

Conor Hourihane - Derby 6.5 

Played in a deeper role which enabled him to get on the ball more but got more advanced after the break and swung some lovely crosses in. 

David McGoldrick - Derby 8 

On a night when chances were few and far between, Derby needed some magic and the striker provided it with one of the best goals of the season and then another lethal finish. 

Paudie O’Connor - Lincoln 6

Solid for the most part but nearly gift wrapped an opener for Herbie Kane.

Olamide Shodipo - Lincoln 4

Just didn’t seem on it today. Disappointing considering recent performances, but too often he got the ball out to Boyes all wrong.

Dylan Duffy - Lincoln 7

An impressive display from the Irishman on his first start. Whipped in some delicious crosses and showed good ability on the ball.

Sean Roughan - Lincoln 5

Defended solidly when he came on.

Conor Grant - MK Dons 5

Too shot-shy, and played passes into dangerous areas, but areas which didn't have a white shirt in them.

Dawson Devoy - MK Dons 6

Got on the ball a lot and tried to play forwards but had little to aim at.

Finn Azaz - Plymouth 6 

How the Pilgrims were not awarded a penalty by referee Anthony Backhouse for a clear foul on Azaz by Chey Dunkley just moments before the hosts opened the scoring is a mystery.

19/4/23

Championship

Sam Szmodics - Blackburn 6

Played as a left-sided number eight rather than his usual number 10 role to add solidity in midfield. Didn't see loads of the ball but offers plenty to the side defensively when that's the case. 

Luke McNally - Coventry 6.5

Helped keep a close eye on Brereton Diaz and made a crucial block to deny Rankin-Costello finding the target in a first half when chances were few and far between for both sides. Got back to defend brilliantly and dispossess Gallagher on the counter attack as City pushed for an equaliser.

Jimmy Dunne - QPR 6

Had a quiet first half, with Norwich carrying little threat, but was booked on 40 minutes for dissent. Helped to hold off an increasingly anxious late surge by the Canaries.

Andrew Omobamidele - Norwich 5

An awkward showing from a man entrusted to carry the City defensive unit in Grant Hanley and Ben Gibson's absence.

Ball progression not as aggressive or urgent as it could have been, and must take his share of the responsibility for Lyndon Dykes' opener.

Hamstrung by a booking for most of the game after a sloppy concession to Kenneth Paal forced him to foul the Rs winger. 

Adam Idah - Norwich 7

Made many supporters eat their words less than a minute after his introduction. An unmissable chance for the equaliser, but his instincts placed him where he was for the tap-in.

Followed that goal up with some impressive dynamism that threatened the QPR defenders and dragged City up the pitch. Lacked the quality to go with his power at times but certainly improved the team. 

Ryan Manning - Swansea 8

The Irishman wreaked havoc from a more advanced position and did ever so well in the build-up to Allen's goal. Put in a fine free-kick for Darling's headed effort at the end of the opening half too.

Tom Cannon - Preston 6

Improved in the second half and got his goal. As poor as Preston were, he kept hunting for chances and buzzing around.

Troy Parrott - Preston 7 (Star Man)

Some nice touches off the bench and took his goal exceptionally well.

Robbie Brady - Preston 5

Played out on the right and his cross led to Cannon's goal. Asked some questions in the final third but his square pass led to Swansea killing the game late on.

Mark McGuinness - Cardiff 8

It's a tough forward line to deal with at Vicarage Road and, fair play, he stood up to the task well. Made a number of crucial interceptions, especially in the second half. Good to put that Sheffield United blip behind him.

Callum O'Dowda - Cardiff 8

That tussle between him and Ismaila Sarr was fascinating, but O'Dowda can hold his head up high for his part in the battle. Started to free-up his legs as City gained confidence, which was great to see.

Darragh Lenihan - Middlesbrough 7

Steady away at the back but needed to move the ball out quicker in the first-half. Comfortable when they did in the second-half.

Sean McLoughlin - Hull 6

Brilliant in the first period. Got too tight to Archer for the second goal and from there it all went a bit south. 

Harry Vaughan - Hull 8 (Star Man)

Started with confidence, keen to get on the ball and move it. Had a growing influence, some of his play going forward was superb. The highlight, though, winning a clever foul on the edge of his own box, drawing applause from his manager. Booked just before coming off in the second, but a terrific first half showing. 

Jeff Hendrick - Reading 5

Largely overrun in the midfield and needed to impose himself more. Could have been stronger in his 50-50 challenges as well.

21/4/23

Premier League

Gavin Bazunu - Southampton 6

Managed to wind up the home fans from the very first minute with his time-keeping for goal kicks. Needed to put the ball in a different place for the Arsenal equaliser, shoving it into the middle of the box where Saka was waiting.