Every Ireland player rated at the Aviva
Republic of Ireland earned their first win in 2026 World Cup Qualifying, scraping past 10-man Armenia 1-0 thanks to Evan Ferguson’s second-half goal.
Before the match, Heimir Hallgrimsson said he’d take a ‘sh***y 1-0 win’, and his wishes came true at the Aviva with another under-par showing, this time with the unusual treat of three points.
Ireland now host Portugal on November 13, before a trip to Hungary on November 16 to finish off Group F.
Here’s how SportsJOE rated the XI plus subs at the Aviva Stadium.
Best Ireland betting offers – 18+, BeGambleAware
Caoimhin Kelleher – 6
Absolutely no notes. Busy day on Saturday, could have lit a cigar here.
Jake O’Brien – 5
Firmly in the category of ‘much better for his club than country’. Was just… fine. Got a screaming at by Coleman for a first-half chance for Armenia, leaving too much space as they broke.
Nathan Collins – 5
As captain, I’d love to see him pulling the team up the pitch to press, especially against 103rd in the world. Is is down to his lack of confidence at being caught in-behind, or Heimir’s instructions? Either way, this was performance was fine, but I’m still desperate to see more from the skipper.
Dara O’Shea – 5
Again, average performance and flanked either side by protection in Collins and Manning. Forced a world class save with a header from a corner.
Seamus Coleman – 7
Ireland’s best player. Showed courage to win an early foul by sticking his head where it hurts, and that set the tone for his night. Was the only Ireland defender to put pressure on the ball, and got the crowd going by bashing into the goalkeeper – adopting Roy Keane’s ‘just kick someone’ tactic – showing more fight in three seconds than some in green had shown in four matches. It worked, rattling Armenia as Barseghyan saw red moments later. How Ireland could have done with him in Yerevan last month… .
Will Smallbone – 5
For most of the game was completely ineffective, anonymous and lacking much quality on the ball. But his pinpoint cross for Ferguson’s header was the glimpse of class Ireland needed.
Jayson Molumby – 5
One of the only Ireland players willing to take the ball in tight areas, but it was all too seldom still.
Ryan Manning – 5
Was man-of-the-match against Hungary last month and showed a few decent deliveries, but again felt lacking in confidence to get behind the last defender despite the formation lending itself to that kind of run.
Festy Ebosele – 6
It’s so one-dimensional, but it’s effective when it works. Dreadful in first 15 minutes but found his way thereon. Final delivery was just lacking but showed pace to get past his man on several occasions. Was named man of the match at the Aviva, but for me Coleman pipped him.
Finn Azaz – 5
Taking Barseghyan’s head to his face for the red card was his first meaningful action on the night after 50-odd minutes, but showed great skill to set up Ferguson for his missed chance. Still probably Ireland’s best option in that position, but it’s hardly inspiring.
Evan Ferguson – 6
We barely ever see Ferguson facing goal with the ball for Ireland, always having to drop deep with players on his back. But the first time he had the opportunity on Tuesday night, from Azaz’s lovely slip through, his left-footed shot was hip-height and straight at the goalkeeper – disappointing. But minutes later, lost his marker and showed the deadly finishing we know him for best, latching onto Smallbone’s cross.
Subs
Chiedozie Ogbene (on 65) – 6
Looked bright when he came on, but by that point Armenia had pushed up and left space on the right.
Troy Parrott (on 65) – 6
Early snapped cross won the corner from which Ferguson scored.
Adam Idah (on 81) – 5
Could have easily scored twice. Missed a fine chance to make it 2-0, denied by another world class save, and then couldn’t connect with Ogbene’s centre from four yards out. Did score with a fine finish, but was ruled out for offside.
