We’ve had better days, that’s for sure.
Nine Premier League games took place on Saturday and there was Irish involvement in four of them.
Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Irish players Kevin Long and Jeff Hendrick were named in Sean Dyche’s starting lineup for the high flying Clarets’ clash with Spurs, while Jonathan Walters was named on the bench.
It wasn’t a good day for Burnley, it wasn’t a good day for their Irish players.
After just seven minutes of the game, Cork born centre half Long was responsible for conceding a penalty. The 27-year-old needlessly lunged in on Dele Alli, who admittedly seemed to be waiting for contact.
7: GOAL!
Kevin Long takes down Dele Alli for a penalty.
Harry Kane clinical with the spot-kick!
Burnley 0-1 Spurs. #BURTOT— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 23, 2017
Long fell into the trap too easily, though.
It was a rash, unnecessary challenge from Long because Alli was running towards the end line and didn’t pose that much of a threat at the time.
Harry Kane stepped up and slotted the penalty.
Indeed, both Long and his centre half partner Ben Mee endured tough outings in Turf Moor, with the unmarkable Harry Kane taking them for a hat-rick.
Jeff Hendrick was ineffective up the field, and was substituted after 70 minutes.
Jon Walters didn’t make it off the bench.
It was a reality check for Burnley, who dropped to 7th in the Premier League table.
Stoke vs. West Bromwich Albion
James McClean started at left midfield for Alan Pardew’s side, but he didn’t reemerge after the half-time interval.
The Potters had taken a 2-0 lead just before the break, and Pardew obviously felt change was needed. He introduced Nacer Chadli in place of McClean, though that didn’t improve things much as they eventually went down 3-1.
Southampton vs. Huddersfield Town
Shane Long didn’t make it from the bench in the Saints’ 1-1 draw with Huddersfield, that’s now five games in a row that he hasn’t made an appearance.
Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order for Mauricio Pellegrino, is it time for the Tipperary man to look elsewhere for a move in January?
Newcastle vs. West Ham
Newcastle United earned a vital three points in their entertaining 3-2 victory over the Hammers.
Goalkeeper Rob Elliot was the bright spark of the day for Irish Premier League players. The 31-year-old turned in an impressive display, making 5 saves, including one from an Andre Ayew penalty.
Great win and performance today. Such a great feeling. Hopefully sent the fans home happy for Christmas!! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Jl0ye0Vyk5
— Rob Elliot (@the_dilsh) December 23, 2017
He wouldn’t have had to make that save, however, were it not for a needless lunge, and subsequent mistimed tackle from the Toon’s Irish centre half, Ciaran Clark.
There were debates that he made contact with the West Ham attacker outside the box, but it was a very borderline call.
The point is, it was too close to the penalty area to be making tackles like that, and unfortunately for Clark, these moments of madness are becoming an all-too familiar part of his game.
He’s a defender with huge ability, and his overall performance on Saturday was very good, but sloppy errors like this are costly and he needs to cut them out of his game.
Here’s to hoping there are better days to come.
