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6th September 2018
09:39pm BST
Shane Duffy - 4
He has started the Premier League season in good form for Brighton, but Duffy found it difficult against Wales' rampaging forwards. From the kick-off, Bale forced him back and that set the tone for the night.
Ciaran Clark - 3
Clark struggled on a difficult night. He was caught out badly for all three of Wales' first-half goals. He was in no man's land when Allen's pinpoint pass found Lawrence before Wales' opener. Clark then allowed Bale to cut inside and shoot for their second and couldn't get close to Ramsey for their third goal of the night. Of course, Clark wasn't solely at fault for the goals, as Ireland didn't get near any of Wales' players in the build-up for each goal. But almost nothing went right for him.
Stephen Ward - 3
Wales evidently targetted Ireland's left-hand side and Ward didn't stand a chance against Bale, who was in top form and looked up for the game from the kick-off. Wales' talisman made light-work of his opponents, who allowed him to cut inside on several occasions. O'Neill showed some mercy when he replaced Ward, who has impressed for Burnley over the last few seasons, with Enda Stevens for the final 30 minutes. Ward's 50th cap was one to forget.
Cyrus Christie - 4
Many Ireland fans might have expected Matt Doherty, who has been an ever-present with Wolves on their impressive return to the Premier League, to be given a competitive start. However, O'Neill opted for Christie. The full-back has only played 95 minutes of football so far this season with Fulham, but has won 17 caps under the Ireland manager.
With Coleman at right-back, Christe started on the right-hand side of midfield. If the plan was for Christie to track back and offer cover for Coleman, it didn't happen. The full-back regularly let Davies bomb forward unchecked and put in a muddled performance like the rest of the Ireland team.
Jeff Hendrick - 4
He offered little on the few occasions that he came into possession and, like the rest of Ireland team, didn't get close enough to Allen or Ethan Ampadu, who cruised through the game in Wales' midfield.
Here are Ireland's central midfielders before Allen slid a pass into Lawrence to score. Look how far apart they are.
This was the case all night as Ireland's flat, four-man midfield just stood off Wales. There were large gaps for their opponents to play through and Ireland couldn't get anywhere near the home side.
Conor Hourihane - 4
Like Hendrick, Hourihane never got close to Wales' midfield. He looked lost as they weaved passing patterns around Ireland, and watched the ball sail over his head his teammates lumped it long when they were in possession.
Callum O'Dowda - 4
O'Dowda started on the left-hand side of midfield, and there was space behind him as Wales' full-backs pushed forward at every available opportunity. He is a talented player but was anonymous against Wales.
Callum Robinson - 5
On his debut for Ireland, Robinson was bright and didn't disgrace himself. He had a couple of efforts at goal and worked hard up-front with Walters.
Jonathan Walters - 4
The veteran started at centre-forward was starved of service. Ashley Williams had an easy night, which is something that hasn't happened very often over the last year. Walters was also pushed off the ball by Ampadu, Wales' 17-year-old midfielder, in the build-up to their third goal.
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