The spark shown by Irish players in recent weeks has continued, with several players now building momentum in various leagues across Europe.
There were some familiar standouts, but others are beginning to elevate their performances.
As ever, we begin with Troy Parrott, who again delivered for AZ Alkmaar on Sunday afternoon, scoring his 15th goal of the season – his eighth in the league – in the 2-2 draw at home to Go Ahead Eagles.
While it wasn’t an ideal result for AZ, who are now 15 points adrift of Feyenoord at the top of the table, Parrott continues to make his mark. His 31st minute header got AZ back on level terms, while his persistent pressure led to Mats Deijl scoring an own-goal nine minutes later.
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In Italy, Evan Ferguson saw 28 minutes of action for Roma as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cagliari. Roma played almost the entire second half with 10 men after Zeki Çelik’s dismissal in the 52nd minute. It left them with an uphill battle that ultimately proved too challenging as the hosts struck an 82nd-minute winner.
Ferguson was bright when introduced, working hard in difficult circumstances for a striker. He linked intelligently with Paulo Dybala – arguably better than he has managed all season with Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who typically operate in the spaces behind him.
Oisín McEntee was one of the best players on the pitch as Hearts earned a crucial 2-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday. Stationed in midfield, the Cavan man was superb throughout – aggressive in the press, tidy in possession and relentless in his work rate. His standout moment came with a thunderous headed goal in the 64th minute for Hearts’ second goal, which proved to be the winner.
Beyond the goal, McEntee’s reading of the game and composure under pressure was exceptional, anchoring Hearts in a high-stakes contest. His side now sit three points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
In the English Premier League, it was a relatively quiet weekend from an Irish perspective, with Seamus Coleman still sidelined for Everton and Matt Doherty not involved until Monday night.
Opportunities were limited, but Jake O’Brien made the most of his. The defender enjoyed a successful Saturday as Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Fresh off a man-of-the-match display away to Bournemouth in midweek, O’Brien returned to right-back and delivered another excellent performance, capped by an assist.
Elsewhere, Josh Cullen played 90 minutes in Burnley’s 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle. Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher both played the full match for Brentford as they fell2-0 away to Tottenham, in a difficult afternoon for Keith Andrews’ side.
In the Championship, it was no surprise to see Finn Azaz steal the show once again, producing a goal and an assist in Southampton’s 3-1 win over Birmingham. His strike – a superb effort from the edge of the box on his weaker left foot – underlined the confidence he is playing with. It brings him to six goals in his last five games, an exceptional run for a midfielder who, when in full flow, is very difficult to contain. Ryan Manning and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also completed the full 90 minutes for Southampton.
Alex Gilbert delivered one of the standout Irish performances over the weekend as Middlesbrough dismantled Hull City 4-1 on Friday night. Handed his first start of the season and deployed in an unusually deep midfield role, the former Ireland under-21 international rose to the challenge. He scored a goal and produced an assist – his strike coming from outside the box – and dictated play with a maturity that belied his limited senior minutes to date.
Mark McGuinness also found the net on Saturday, scoring his first goal for Sheffield United with a powerful header in their 4-0 win over Stoke City, though he was withdrawn at half-time after injuring his ankle.
Player and Goal of the Week - Aaron Drinan (Swindon Town)
Aaron Drinan takes both honours this week after producing a sensational hat-trick for Swindon in their 4-0 FA Cup victory over Bolton. It was an outstanding display from a player who has been the standout performer in League Two this season and currently sits as the division’s top scorer. Drinan carried that form seamlessly into the cup, showcasing the confidence and sharpness that have defined his campaign. His third goal, in particular, was a moment of real quality – a beautifully judged dink over the goalkeeper from considerable distance, executed with calm precision.
Stat of the Week - Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar): 15 goals this season
It was another significant weekend for Troy Parrott, who has now scored 15 goals for AZ Alkmaar in all competitions this season. After the high of his hat-trick for Ireland in Budapest, last weekend brought a rare setback with a late missed penalty. That moment could have dented his confidence, but he responded with an assist during the week and a well-taken headed goal on Sunday as AZ drew 2-2 with Go Ahead Eagles.
