Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium

In a game that Ireland simply had to win, they just about got the job done against Armenia at the Aviva Stadium.

Evan Ferguson’s second half winner ensures that the campaign is still alive. In saying that, the display against a team of this quality that were down to ten men for most of the second half left plenty to be desired.

Ireland are still alive in this group, but only just. Here’s how we rated the performances on the night.

READ ALSO: ‘Luckiest Man’ Pico Lopes Reveals Why He Cut World Cup Celebrations Short

READ ALSO: Young Irish Defender Lands Major Move To Chelsea U21s From League One

Ireland Player Ratings In Armenia Win

Caoimhín Kelleher – 6

Caoimhín Kelleher was untested in the first half, with Armenia having just one tame long range effort on goal.

That trend was repeated after the interval, with the Brentford man largely a spectator in Dublin 4.

 

Seamus Coleman – 6

Starting consecutive competitive international games for the first time in almost four years, Seamus Coleman looked assured at the back right from the outset.

A solid performance during his 64 minutes on the pitch.

 

Jake O’Brien – 6

Had an early chance to put Ireland ahead with a header from a corner, but couldn’t turn the ball towards goal. The Everton man looked the most assured of the Irish defenders in possession in the first half.

He was reasonably comfortable throughout.

 

Nathan Collins – 7

Collins had a comfortable opening half from a defensive point of view.

He came close to opening the scoring early in the second half, drawing an excellent save from the Armenian goalkeeper. He was untested at the back after the red card and did provide quite a bit of leadership throughout.

 

Dara O’Shea – 6

While Dara O’Shea was largely untested defensively in the opening half, he did play some wayward long passes at times.

Like his fellow defenders, O’Shea had an easy time of it in the second half after the sending off.

 

Ryan Manning – 6

Ryan Manning pushed high down the left flank, although he rarely got involved in open play.

That did change somewhat in the second half, setting Adam Idah up for a glorious chance late on.

Recommended

 

Festy Ebosele – 7

Ebosele coughed up possession in dangerous positions on a few occasions in the first half. He did at least try to produce something in forward areas, putting in a couple of excellent crosses.

He did look like Ireland’s most dangerous attacker, meaning it was confusing to see him taken off with nearly half an hour still to play.

 

Jayson Molumby – 7

Molumby attempted to inject some pace into Ireland’s play in the middle third, although passing options further up the pitch were often lacking.

He was the most energetic Irish player and produced another solid display overall.

 

Will Smallbone – 5

Coming into the team to replace Josh Cullen, Smallbone struggled to make any sort of impact on the ball in the opening half.

His passing was off throughout the game, producing some poor crosses as well as coughing up possession far too easily in the final third. Thankfully, he redeemed himself somewhat with an excellent cross for the goal.

 

Finn Azaz – 5

Azaz produced some wayward passes early on in the game, finding it difficult to get involved in the Irish attack.

The 25-year old did produce one moment of brilliance to play through Evan Ferguson in the second half, only for the chance to be missed. It was an otherwise quiet night for the Southampton man.

 

Evan Ferguson – 6

The Roma striker struggled to get involved in the game in the opening period, producing some poor touches on the occasions he did receive the ball at his feet.

Ferguson would go on to miss a brilliant chance in the second half, firing the ball straight at the goalkeeper after being played through by Azaz. However, he made up for it moments later with his header to give Ireland the lead.

 

Substitutes

Troy Parrott – 5

Failed to make much of an impact after his introduction.

 

Chiedozie Ogbene – 6

Oddly brought on as a wingback despite Armenia being down to ten men, Ogbene produced some excellent runs from deep.

 

Adam Idah & Jack Taylor – N/A

Not on long enough to rate.

SEE ALSO: All 31 Men Who Have Played In The League Of Ireland And Gone To The World Cup