The morning after the night before Ireland player ratings: reflections on Yerevan shocker

There were many cast members in what was a collective Irish horror show against Armenia. Caoimhín Kelleher and Evan Ferguson were the only players to emerge with credit. 

Without Caoimhín Kelleher's vital saves, it could have been an ever greater embarrassment for Ireland against Armenia. Pic:©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Caoimhin Kelleher - Conceded twice yet ended up being one of few to emerge with credit. Committed slightly early for the penalty but there was little he could have done for the second. Without his saves, in particular a stop to deny Nair Tiknizyan from making it 3-1, this would have been an even greater embarrassment. 7 

Jake O’Brien - His long throws seemed to be the only plan in attack, with one first-half fling teeing up Nathan Collins, but the Everton man was badly caught out of position for the pass behind for Grant Leon Ranos‘s killer second goal. Just one cast member in a collective horror show. 4 

Nathan Collins - Kickstarted the collapse by fouling Lucas Zelarayan for the penalty kick and was bullied for much of the evening - which is no mean feat for a player who is 6ft 4in and has a reputation for dominating in the Premier League most weeks. The opposite of a captain’s performance. 3 

Dara O’Shea - Looked uncertain throughout, slipping and sliding at inopportune moments while never really coming to grips with an Armenian attack that simply displayed more desire. Similar to Collins, at club level he has a reputation for taking no nonsense but is incapable of replicating it in the green shirt. 4 

Ryan Manning - Less impactful going forward compared to the Hungary comeback having fallen back into the role vacated by Matt Doherty but he did have a late and low shot from range saved by Ognjen Cancarevic. Gave the ball away cheaply on a handful of occasions and appeared caught in two minds when it came to attacking or defending. 5 

Jack Taylor - Earned a start having made a good impact off the bench on Saturday and may have earned a penalty when challenged by Erik Piloyan around the half hour but his overall influence was minimal. One of two to be hooked at the break. 5 

Josh Cullen - More of the same from the central midfielder who can dominate in England’s top flight but too often sees international matches pass him by. Started OK but once Ireland went behind Armenia he was unable to offer any control. 4 

Jason Knight - Anonymous again. It is easy to apply the same description as Cullen. Knight is hailed for his ability to dictate matters at Bristol City but when it comes to Ireland he continuously lacks the ability to progress play. 4

Chiedozie Ogbene - Unsurprisingly rusty considering how long his lay-off with a ruptured achilles tendon has been. The speed remains – which is always a major concern with such a serious injury - but his first touch was blunt and he was replaced at the break. Will improve with games at new club Sheffield United. 5 

Finn Azaz - His only notable moment came 22 seconds in when he got a shot off. From that point on he was ineffective and summed up the entire side’s slack approach by gifting Armenia the ball unnecessarily on three different occasions early in the second period. 4 

Evan Ferguson - Took his goal really well and, alongside Kelleher, could extract something positive from this nightmare double-header. Last season was a write off but if he can soon start finding the net at Roma, Ireland fans will be right to get excited. 7 

Substitutes 

Adam Idah (for Taylor, half-time) - Hero on Saturday night had more time to impress in Yerevan and provided the assist for Ferguson’s goal. 5 

Kasey McAteer (for Ogbene, half-time) - Nothing to write home about apart from a punt from range that zipped harmlessly wide. 4 

Mikey Johnston (for Azaz, 70mins) - Given few opportunities to bamboozle the home defence. 5 

Killian Phillips (for Cullen, 70mins) - Barely made an impact in the middle. 4 

Liam Scales (for Manning, 82mins) - Not on long enough to rate.