Nations League: Another defeat for Northern Ireland, but how did they rate?

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill could only look on with envy as Edin Dzeko proved the match winner for Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.
Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.

O’Neill’s side hit the post three times as their run of away games without a goal extended to six, but Bosnia had no such issues as Dzeko punished mistakes in either half in a 2-0 Nations League win.

Northern Ireland’s Nations League fate is now of their hands after a third successive defeat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here, we take at look at how O’Neill’s men fared on Monday evening.

Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.
Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans.

Northern Ireland player ratings

Bailey Peacock-Farrell - There was little the Leeds goalkeeper could do about either goal, and he made a number of saves in the game. 7.

Jamal Lewis - He offered an outlet on the left but his slip gifted Bosnia the opener and Northern Ireland never recovered. 5.

Jonny Evans - Battled well against Edin Dzeko but could only contain the Roma man for so long. 7.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Craig Cathcart - His usual composure was lacking with a number of wayward clearances putting Northern Ireland under pressure. 5.

Paddy McNair - Made a few bursts down the right and stood his ground in defence before being sacrificed as Northern Ireland chased the game. 6.

George Saville - On another night he might have had a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes but though his shooting boots were missing, he was a busy presence in midfield. 7.

Oliver Norwood - It was a subdued display from Norwood, who will now miss the Austria game next month after a first-half booking for a foul Elvis Saric. 5.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steven Davis - Set up the two early chances for Saville and worked well in tandem with Saville once again. 7.

Corry Evans - His best moment of the match came before kick-off as he was handed the captain’s arm band for his 50th cap, but he struggled to make an impact on the pitch. 6.

Stuart Dallas - It was Dallas’ cross which should have led to a goal when Gavin Whyte instead missed a sitter. 6.

Liam Boyce - Back from a knee injury, Boyce offered plenty of running and endeavour, but never had a clear chance at goal. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gavin Whyte (for Norwood, 57) - How on earth did his miss? Whyte offered plenty of energy and increased Northern Ireland’s threat, but he squandered the best chance. 6.

Kyle Vassell (for McNair, 70) - Tried to use his physical presence to pressure Bosnia, but with little success. 6.

Josh Magennis (for Boyce, 79) - Like Vassell, sought to ruffle Bosnia’s defence but a chance never came his way. 6.