Argyle continued their impressive start to the 2022/23 league season racking up yet another home victory in the process – this time a 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley, here’s how the players are rated:
Michael Cooper – 8
Cooper’s list of admirers is only growing due to his impressive start to the season, and this was a relatively quiet afternoon for Argyle’s number one. A good save with his legs in the first half was the only time Accrington ever drew him into making a stop.
Bali Mumba – 5
Not quite the Birthday Mumba would’ve been hoping for as he was substituted in first half stoppage time. Switched to the right side of the defence for this clash, he didn’t seem as effective coming forward and has looked a bigger threat when playing on the left. Picked up a petulant yellow card for arguing with the referee and in a game where Neil Hair was keen to show cards, his withdrawal was almost enevitable.
James Wilson – 9
Following the first half sending off of Dan Scarr, it was left to Wilson to be the leader of the backline and he had a very good game. Was a calming presence at the back as Accrington went in search of a route back into the game. *Player of the match*
Dan Scarr – 6
Argyle’s best player up until his sending off in the 38th minute. It was a reckless challenge which wasn’t necessary as he tried to get onto the end of a pass in the midfield. It’ll be interesting to see if Argyle appeal his sending off given the next two games will be battles for different reasons against MK Dons and Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers.
Brendan Galloway – 8
Along with Wilson, Galloway really stepped up in Scarr’s absence for Argyle as they switched to four at the back. His experience and calm head were needed under pressure and at times he really showed the 15,000+ crowd at Home Park some of his excellent quality.
Joe Edwards – 8
The skipper’s work rate and energy is something to behold. Constantly going up and down the wing, this time on the left side but he didn’t look out of place. The first goal all came from his press on the Accrington midfield, and he then provided the assist for Niall Ennis to open the scoring in the 24th minute.
Jordan Houghton – 7
Despite the occasional slip in ball retention, Houghton continued where he left off from Tuesday night. He worked as hard as anyone on the field and as Argyle took charge of the game in the second half, Houghton was instrumental to that and should’ve done enough to keep his place in the side.
Matt Butcher – 5
It wasn’t to be for Butcher against his former side as he struggled to make any impression on the game at any point. Lost possession a few times and couldn’t impact Argyle getting forward in what was a flat first half performance from him. Subsequently substituted at half time. Perhaps he may be the one to miss out for next weekend’s trip to Milton Keynes.
Morgan Whittaker – 6
League One’s player of the month from September wasn’t quite as effective as he has been playing alongside Niall Ennis before the red card of Dan Scarr. The switch to 4-4-1 in the second half also didn’t help get Whittaker involved as much as we saw last month.
Niall Ennis – 7
Scorer of Argyle’s opening goal with a sliding finish, Ennis was in a surprising role as one of the Number 10’s in the usual system before switching out wide in the second half. Wasn’t as effective in Argyle’s pursuit of a second goal and was replaced as we looked to see the game out. We are now starting to see the many qualities which attracted the Argyle management to sign him from Wolves.
Sam Cosgrove – 7
Was a random booking from Neil Hair during his five minutes of madness surrounding the red card of Dan Scarr but worked very hard-up front and was a constant nuisance to the Accrington defence. Eventually got his goal with a lovely crisp strike between the keepers’ legs which gave us a precious two-goal lead in this tense encounter.
Substitutes
Adam Randell – 6
Having been left out of the side for the returning Jordan Houghton, Randell replaced Butcher at half time and formed a quick, solid partnership with Houghton and really steadied the midfield. He’s likely to return to the midfield for next weekend.
Finn Azaz – 7
What an impact this substitution had on the game. Azaz gave Argyle an extra edge moving forward and created three or four good opportunities and eventually we got both a second and third goal in the game. It was good to see him back influencing the game and giving Argyle a real boost towards the end of the game.
Nigel Lonwijk – 6
Replacement for Mumba just before half time, He was a straight swap at RB and created a lovely opening for Cosgrove’s goal by making a quick move in behind the Stanley backline. He’s very quickly becoming a dependable player for Schuey and the management team.
Ryan Hardie – 7
Along with Azaz, this substitution really gave Argyle an edge over their opponents and they both ran the Stanley defence ragged in the final 15 minutes finding themselves in plenty of space. Eventually got his goal in stoppage time with a lovely run in behind and a cool finish past the keeper.