Premier League
It was a quiet weekend for the Irish internationals on their return to domestic action. The likes of Matt Doherty, Conor Hourihane, Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly had to settle for a place on the bench. However, the latter did have an impact when he came on. Brighton snatched a late equalizer against Crystal Palace as Connolly teed up Alexis Mac Allister.
A 𝘽𝙄𝙂 goal for #BHAFC! 🟦⬜
Alexis Mac Allister has pulled one out of the bag! 💥
📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #CRYBHA here: https://t.co/bo6hCDHBJx
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/wjBG4ax3aj— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 18, 2020
Sheffield United’s Irish contingent of John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started as the Blades got off the mark with a one all draw against bottom side Fulham. Likewise, Kevin Long started for Burnley as their clash with West Brom ended in a goalless draw.
There was also tightly contested draw at Goodison Park as Liverpool and Everton went head to head. The derby game wasn’t short of talking points with controversial VAR decisions, red cards and injuries. Seamus Coleman, on his return to the side, suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury. The Donegal man was forced off after half an hour.
Championship
Cyrus Christie was drafted into the national squad after Coleman pulled out through injury. After featuring against Wales, he followed this with a start for new club Nottingham Forrest this weekend. An impressive performance in their win over Blackburn Rovers warranted his place in the Championship team of the week.
It's that time again!
Presenting your #SkyBetChampionship Team of the Week, powered by @WhoScored ratings 🔋#EFL | #TOTW pic.twitter.com/a2mk6lw7GK
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) October 19, 2020
Adam Idah picked up his first start of the season as Norwich City overcame Rotherham United with a late penalty. Fellow Irish youngster and U-21’s centre-back Nathan Collins, who started in the loss against Italy, set up Stoke’s second goal in a 2-0 victory. Meanwhile, Swansea City’s game against Huddersfield Town came too soon for Ryan Manning after his deadline day switch to the Welsh club.
Rest of Europe
Elsewhere, Josh Cullen started his first game for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht. Cullen completed 90 minutes with the game finishing all square.
