There was a Man of the Match display from Jack Wilshere, a Calum Chambers assist and a start for Jon Toral during Rangers’ Cup victory over Motherwell in an action-packed Saturday for Arsenal loanees.

ENGLAND

Both Calum Chambers and Jack Wilshere started for their respective clubs in 3pm Premier League kick-offs, but with differing results.

Chambers provided the assist for Cristian Stuani’s goal, Boro’s first and only one of the game during a frustrating 3-1 home defeat at the hands of West Ham, whilst proving solid in defence too. Four tackles, two interceptions, a clearance as well as a blocked shot just reiterate how important his defensive contributions have been to Boro’s backline – but on this occasion, they were punished to clinical effect from close-range.

Wilshere, on the other hand, received rave reviews for another commanding performance from midfield and was unfortunate not to get amongst the goals during a 2-2 draw with Watford. Three key passes, coupled with the highest passing accuracy percentage (87.7%) across all of the two sides’ starting players plus seven completed dribbles highlight his willingness to get on the ball and create chances from the middle third.

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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: AFC Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere battles with Abdoulaye Doucoure of Watford during the Premier League match between the two sides at Vitality Stadium on January 21, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

SCOTLAND

Jon Toral made his competitive Rangers debut during their 2-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie. Operating alongside Andy Halliday and Jason Holt as part of a three-man midfield, the creative Spaniard did his best to try and conjure up chances but having conceded early on, Rangers struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities despite asserting their dominance early on.

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Toral (R) made his competitive debut for his new side with a start against Motherwell in their narrow Cup victory, which is sure to give him confidence after a forgettable first part of the campaign on-loan with Granada in La Liga. (Picture source: Rangers’ official website)

He was replaced shortly after the hour mark with Mark Warburton eager to bring on fresh legs, accelerating their chances of a comeback: which proved successful thanks to goals from Kenny Miller and Bournemouth loanee Emmerson Hyndman late on.

NETHERLANDS

Tafari Moore started and played the full 90 minutes, but was unable to stop Utrecht’s second string side from losing 3-0 away against FC Dordrecht at the GN Bouw Stadion on Friday evening.

It was the 19-year-old’s 13th appearance at this level, and he has already amassed 1,000 minutes of competitive football this term – something that many youngsters cannot say for themselves. As a result of the loss though, they drop down a place into 19th position with Dordrecht overtaking them.

PORTUGAL

Joel Campbell was a second-half substitute during Sporting’s 2-2 league draw with Maritimo on Saturday evening. The Costa Rican winger struggled to have an impact off the bench and offered very little in the final third. Jorge Jesus’ side were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a match they couldn’t afford to drop points in given their position in Liga NOS this term.

With 15 touches, 71.4% pass accuracy, two unsuccessful crosses and three fouls committed by the 24-year-old, it was definitely an appearance to forget for the forward.

Stats’ source: WhoScored

Which other players are still left to play this weekend?

Sunday’s fixtures:

Dan Crowley – Excelsior vs Go Ahead Eagles – 1:30pm

Kelechi Nwakali and Stefan O’Connor – VVV-Venlo vs MVV Maastricht – 1:30pm

Julio Pleguezuelo – Reus vs Mallorca – 3pm

Wojciech Szczesny – AS Roma vs Cagliari – 7:45pm