The Irish Post’s weekly look at how Irish players got on in the English soccer leagues:
Premier League
Stoke scored three first-half goals against Arsenal, with Jon Walters sealing the final effort in the 45th minute. The visitors responded with a fine comeback when play resumed, but could only manage a 3-2 score line.
Seamus Coleman picked up a yellow in Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, moving the hosts to within three points of top-of-the-table Chelsea.
Hull find themselves in the relegation zone after being held to a goalless draw by West Brom at the KC Stadium. Stephen Quinn had the best chance for the home side with a low header in the second-half that was saved by Ben Foster. Robbie Brady and David Meyler also featured for Hull, with Meyler yellow-carded.
Richard Dunne started for QPR as they held on to secure their fourth home win this season with a 2-0 victory over Burnley, ending Sean Dyche’ sides four-match unbeaten run.
Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season, as they were beaten 2-1 at Newcastle. Rob Elliot was substituted for the hosts at half time after suffering an injury, and was replaced by 21-year-old goalkeeper Jak Alnwick who made his debut.
Joey O’Brien came on late in the second-half, as West Ham moved up to third in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Swansea.
Championship
Bournemouth sealed a 2-1 win against 9-man Wolves, with Matt Doherty sent off for the hosts following Rajiv van La Parra's red card after half time.
Chris McCann played almost the full 90 minutes for Wigan in their 1-0 away defeat at Norwich. Kyle Lafferty came on for the Canaries mid-way through the second-half.
Simon Cox featured for Reading in their goalless draw at Bolton, which stretches Neil Lennon’s side’s unbeaten run to five matches.
Ireland goalkeeper David Forde had a tough 90 minutes in goal for Millwall, as they were crushed 5-1 by Middlesbrough at The Den.
Daryl Murphy scored twice and David McGoldrick added another as Ipswich came from behind to grab a 4-1 victory at Leeds. The visitors are only one point behind Championship leaders Derby.
Jeff Hendrick had the opportunity to further Derby’s 3-0 score line over Brighton, who remain in the relegation zone.
Steve Davies's 55th-minute effort past Birmingham City goalkeeper Darren Randolph earned bottom-placed Blackpool only their second win of the season. Stephen Gleeson also started for the visitors, who were unable to find the net.
Blackburn suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park, with Shane Duffy lining out for the hosts. Kieren Westwood prevented Blackburn from levelling the scores, after tipping a powerful volley from Ryan Tunnicliffe over the crossbar.
