Gavin Bazunu 5
Endured the agony of seeing two goals slip past him at the Aviva Stadium for the second game in a row, though could do little about either tonight. Did make a decent save from Solbakken early in the second half, though the shot was from a tightish angle.
While he's had a fitful year in a green shirt, missing the bulging summer Nations League window, the blinding heroics of 2021 were little in evidence in 2022. Still, it would be harsh to pin any blame on for tonight's loss.
John Egan (capt) 5
Was deemed culpable in some quarters, by Kenny Cunningham on commentary at least, for the first Norwegian goal, allowing Oestigard get away from him, though he may have been impeded in the process.
As usual was a constant menace in the opposition box, rising to fire a header goalwards in the second half. Has become rather prolific of late, goals against both Scotland and Armenia, but failed to notch another tonight.
Nathan Collins 5
The Wolves defender looked to the manor born in the summer's Nations League fixtures but was less assured tonight. Did well to snuff out a chance for Elyounoussi, when the latter appeared set to pull the trigger. However, his night was irredeemably soured when he failed to deal with the late free-kick, from which substitute Ohi Omoijuanfo shunted home the winner. Collins did complain of being fouled but critics will say he should have been stronger.
Such was the majesty of his summer performances that he's probably the only Irish central defender guaranteed a place if all are fit.
Dara O'Shea 5
Part of an Ireland rearguard which struggled with Norway's slick, incisive passing in the final third, the Irish defence again being cut open on the counter. A difficult night on the whole for a player who has impressed throughout 2022, particularly away to Ukraine. Remains up in the air whether he'll nail down a place in the main defensive trio once Omobamidele returns.
Matt Doherty 5
A listless enough first half display from Doherty, who made little enough headway down the right flank. The ease with which Elyounoussi exploited the space between Doherty and Collins down the left side of the Irish defence should case alarm.
In common with the rest of the Ireland team, was a tad more purposeful and high-tempo in the second half.
Took some fierce jibes from Martin O'Neill after his defensive error in the lead-up to Scotland's equaliser in Hampden, Doherty's win-loss ratio in an Irish jersey is notably poor - though it's been that sort of era...
Callum O'Dowda 6
Possibly unlucky not to scoop the man-of-the-match award on the balance of play - though I'm sure they won't fall out over it.
One of the more lively and enterprising figures in the first half - admittedly, not a great accolade - O'Dowda ramped it up in the second half, raiding down the wing routinely.
The Cardiff City player was pivotal in the creation of Browne's equaliser, getting to the end-line, dunking over a cross, which was cleared but only as far as the Corkman.
Had a glorious chance early in the second half after ghosting in a back post but made a dreadful hash of his headed attempt.
Josh Cullen 5
Crowned Senior Player of the Year on Monday, it was a fairly low-key performance from Cullen, zinging passes this way and that in the middle third, though rarely able to carve open any proper opportunities. Tidy but lacking real thrust and penetration.
Jayson Molumby 5
Typically tireless and willing performance, though still prone to rash decision-making. Lucky to get away without a card early with a wild studs-high challenge. Sucked towards the near post for the corner that resulted in the Norwegian opener, vacating the space from where Oestigard headed home.
Improved substantially in the second half, breaking up the play well as ever and driving Ireland forward.
Alan Browne 6
Earned the man of the match award by default thanks to his smooth daisy cutter from distance, which drew Ireland level on the 69th minute.
Had a great chance to level the game 10 minutes beforehand, a lazy Norwegian defender playing him on onside as a half-cleared corner was headed back into the mixer. Browne turned and fired a shot on the swivel but Nyland rushed out well to repel with his chest.
Callum Robinson 5
Another largely ineffective performance after a poor year in the green jersey for Robinson. A far cry from the buzz surrounding the striker in late 2021, when he plundered five goals in two games against Azerbaijan and Qatar. Nothing has arrived since.
Did fire a couple of shots away in either half, lashing one over from the edge of the box early on, he had his best (half) chance shortly after Ireland's equaliser, breaking in behind the Norwegian defence, he raced to the edge of the box, firing a speculative shot from a tight angle, easily saved by Nyland. Obafemi, arriving in the six-yard box, was irked that Robinson hadn't sought him out.
Michael Obafemi 5
Obafemi lit up Lansdowne Road with a screamer against Scotland and lashed in a daisy cutter late in the game against Armenia before all hell broke loose in the closing 20.
Rather fewer fireworks tonight, his link-up play with Robinson disjointed in the first half as Ireland rustled up precious little in a dismal opening 45.
Rather better after the break, the Swansea striker almost finagled a goal on 52 minutes, the ball deflecting wide of the post. Still, one of the bright spots to emerge from an otherwise underwhelming year for Ireland.
Substitutes:
Robbie Brady 5
The first substitute on, Brady toiled hard, though failed to add any spark of creativity to the Irish midfield.
Cheidozie Ogbene 5
Introduced as a like for like for Obafemi. As usual, a lively and bustling presence up front, but imprecise in his passing and a touch harum scarum in possession.
Jeff Hendrick 5
His introduction was greeted with subtle groans from the crowd, who seemed disenchanted that such a known quantity had been given a run ahead of the likes of Will Smallbone.
Evan Ferguson N/A
A debut for the Brighton player, whose father captained the FAI Cup winners in 2003 and 2004 (just to make everyone feel old). The 18-year-old was introduced for Browne in the final six minutes, an interesting Hail Mary attempt.
