New Zealand internationals experienced a week of mixed results for their clubs across Europe between 23 and 30 October. The All Whites' squad members were involved in Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership action, with some contributing to positive results while others faced heavy defeats. The national side's recent form of one win, two draws and one loss from its last four matches provides the backdrop to these club outings.
Christopher Wood made a late appearance for Nottingham Forest in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Ipswich Town on Friday 23 October. The veteran striker entered the fray in the 90th minute as his side secured a point.
Swansea City had a particularly difficult afternoon, suffering a 5-0 thrashing at Queens Park Rangers. Both Elijah Just and Marko Stamenić started that match for the Swans; Just was substituted at half-time and received a booking, while Stamenić was taken off in the 64th minute and was also cautioned.
Randall impresses in Scotland
Jesse Randall enjoyed a more productive week with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. The defender played the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday 24 October. He then started again in a midweek clash with Celtic on Wednesday 28 October, being substituted in the 73rd minute as his side earned a creditable 2-2 draw against the Glasgow giants.
Goalkeeper Alexander Paulsen was also busy in Scotland with Motherwell. He played the full match in a 2-0 home defeat to Hearts on Sunday 25 October, and then completed another 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw away to St Johnstone three days later.
These club performances come as the national team prepares for its next assignment. New Zealand will host India in a friendly on 12 November, offering players a chance to build on recent international form. The All Whites' last four matches have yielded one win, two draws and one loss, a sequence that includes a 2-1 defeat to Japan earlier this month.
