Conor O'Neill
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
Data and Tactics writer for The Athletic
Reposted by Conor O'Neill
If the Republic of Ireland's defeat to Armenia was unthinkable, then defeating Portugal 2-0 and coming from behind to beat Hungary 3-2 and snatch a World Cup play-off place stretched reality to breaking point.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social on one of the most dramatic weeks in Irish footballing history.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social on one of the most dramatic weeks in Irish footballing history.
How one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping weeks in Irish football history unfolded
Five goals from Troy Parrott stole the show – but it was a group effort from Heimir Hallgrimsson's side that has kept World Cup hopes alive
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 AM
If the Republic of Ireland's defeat to Armenia was unthinkable, then defeating Portugal 2-0 and coming from behind to beat Hungary 3-2 and snatch a World Cup play-off place stretched reality to breaking point.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social on one of the most dramatic weeks in Irish footballing history.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social on one of the most dramatic weeks in Irish footballing history.
Managed to tear myself away from the Parrott goal on infinite loop long enough to write about Ireland’s madcap week.
A remarkable resurrection.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
A remarkable resurrection.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
How one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping weeks in Irish football history unfolded
Five goals from Troy Parrott stole the show – but it was a group effort from Heimir Hallgrimsson's side that has kept World Cup hopes alive
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Managed to tear myself away from the Parrott goal on infinite loop long enough to write about Ireland’s madcap week.
A remarkable resurrection.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
A remarkable resurrection.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Plugged out of the football matrix during my hols this week, but wrote a piece on managerial sackings.
Ranked sackings based on how deserved they were, measured the new manager bounce, and showed why their employment is most shaky on Mondays in December
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Ranked sackings based on how deserved they were, measured the new manager bounce, and showed why their employment is most shaky on Mondays in December
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
October 21, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Plugged out of the football matrix during my hols this week, but wrote a piece on managerial sackings.
Ranked sackings based on how deserved they were, measured the new manager bounce, and showed why their employment is most shaky on Mondays in December
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Ranked sackings based on how deserved they were, measured the new manager bounce, and showed why their employment is most shaky on Mondays in December
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Lots of cautionary tales of Irish youngsters failing to make the grade in England, but it really is hard to manage expectations with Mason Melia.
Profiled the Tottenham-bound St Pat's striker, easily the best young talent I have ever seen in LOI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Profiled the Tottenham-bound St Pat's striker, easily the best young talent I have ever seen in LOI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Mason Melia: What Tottenham’s January signing will bring, plans for his immediate future
The 18-year-old striker has already made a name for himself in Ireland - how quickly can he do the same in the Premier League?
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Lots of cautionary tales of Irish youngsters failing to make the grade in England, but it really is hard to manage expectations with Mason Melia.
Profiled the Tottenham-bound St Pat's striker, easily the best young talent I have ever seen in LOI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Profiled the Tottenham-bound St Pat's striker, easily the best young talent I have ever seen in LOI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Maiden bluesky post!
I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at:
- Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts
- Why Man Utd struggle inside the box
- The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending
www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at:
- Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts
- Why Man Utd struggle inside the box
- The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending
www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
September 24, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Maiden bluesky post!
I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at:
- Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts
- Why Man Utd struggle inside the box
- The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending
www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at:
- Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts
- Why Man Utd struggle inside the box
- The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending
www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...