Ireland woes continue as Wales earn deserved 1-0 win

Stephen Kenny’s Ireland side failed to score in the sixth consecutive game as David Brooks’ header ensured the Welsh took home three points in Sunday’s Nations League showdown.

Following the defeat, Stephen Kenny continues to await his first three points as Ireland boss after taking over from Mick McCarthy in April this year. Ireland now sit third in their UEFA Nations League group B4, one point ahead of Bulgaria at rock bottom.

Despite managing 11 shots (four on target), the Irishmen failed to create a single big chance in comparison to Wales’ three. The away side also enjoyed a greater share of possession but lacked the killer instinct showed by the home side in the form of David Brooks who nodded home Gareth Bale’s headed cross.

Ireland never looked a threat going forward, with the front three of James McClean, Adam Idah and Daryl Horgan lifeless for the majority of the 90 minutes. The absence of West Brom striker Callum Robinson through a positive COVID-19 test and Brighton’s Aaron Connolly through injury proved significant.

Everton skipper Seamus Coleman also missed out by way of a hamstring injury sustained in training before Ireland’s 3-0 loss to England in midweek. In the same game, Alan Browne played 90 minutes and returned a positive COVID-19 test the morning after, sidelining yet another one of Kenny’s key assets.

In spite of the injury crisis, there is no excuse for an Ireland side failing to find the net in their last 6 games (vs Finland and Wales twice respectively, Slovakia and England). This Irish lineup is crying out for a goalscorer like they had in Robbie Keane – someone whose boots were never filled.

Ireland have gone through strikers like David McGoldrick, Shane Long and Jon Walters since Keane’s retirement – none of which have been nearly as prolific as the record goalscorer. Sean Maguire must’ve been sitting on the bench during the defeat wondering what more he has to do to get an opportunity.

Shane Long hasn’t bagged an international goal since Ireland’s 3-1 win against Moldova during their World Cup qualifying campaign in 2016 – in fairness he hasn’t seen the light of day in Ireland’s squad since then due to injury problems.

Norwich striker Adam Idah started for Kenny’s side against Wales on Sunday, struggling to break down the strong backline of Spurs’ Joe Rodon & Ben Davies and Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham. There really isn’t much attacking talent available for Kenny to work with at the minute – with the only real goal threats coming from centre-half Shane Duffy via a set piece.

There are some big decisions to be made in the Irish camp going forward as the form recently has been simply unacceptable. Your biggest goal threat should not be a defender – however lacking in quality the forward line is.

The Irishmen will be looking for a bounce-back victory when they face Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night in their final game in the course of this international break.