Tension grew at Home Park as Plymouth Argyle’s dismal run continued. Tom Harris rates the players.
Argyle made it 13 league matches without a win after they were beaten 1-0 by QPR at Home Park.
The Pilgrims struggled to break down a well drilled championship side and could only manage one shot on target in the whole match.
QPR on the other hand could and perhaps should have won the game by more but the heroics of Daniel Grimshaw kept them at bay.
The goalkeeper could do nothing about the London sides’ winner though when Rayan Kolli fired home in the 75th minute. The away side were gifted the opportunity after Mumba’s loose touch fell to a blue and white shirt. And though the first effort was saved the visitors kept the ball alive for Kolli who found the target.
Here are the ratings from the fixture.
Dan Grimshaw, GK – 9 POTM. Single handedly kept Argyle in the game when he made not one, but two outstanding saves to deny QPR’s Michael Frey either side of the interval.He then went on to save a one on one moments before the visitors scored, he was unfortunate that the rebound came back to the away side who eventually fired home.
Bali Mumba, RB – 5. His loose touch when attempting to bring a high ball eventually led to QPR scoring that all-important opener. Still struggling to get as high up the pitch as much as he’d like and was subbed for Sorinola late on.
Julio Pleguezuelo, CB – 7. Despite being smaller than QPR’s lofty lineup, it was an assured performance by Pleggy who won his fair share of aerial battles both from corners and long throws.
Victor Palsson, CB – 6. Started as the only other available centre back for Argyle. A fairly decent display despite a few wayward passes. Ended up finishing the game up top as a target man for Argyle but couldn’t come up with the equaliser.
Tymo Puchacz, LB – 6. His deliveries continue to be either on the money or very much off it with some over hit crosses.Nonetheless, he provides an attacking option at left back but couldn’t come up with the magic Argyle needed to get anything from the game.
Adam Randell, CM – 6. Another full 90 for Randell who played a few nice pass throughout the game, a clever through ball to Mumba in the first half threatened to get the hosts in front but the delivery was blocked.
Darko Gyabi, CM – 5. Back-to-back disappointing displays from Gyabi who failed to impact the game before being swapped for Houghton at half time. Argyle desperately need to sign some new midfielders to improve that area of the pitch.
Morgan Whittaker, RAM – 5. QPR came well drilled to stop Whittaker and did just that, doubling up on him when possible. It resulted in very few chances for Argyle’s hero at Brentford. He did well to get to the byline as Argyle chased an equaliser, his chip to the back post was brilliant but vitally hooked away by Dunne with Bundu ready to pounce.
Michael Baidoo, CAM – 5. Looked better in the attacking midfield area rather than up front with some nice movement. However, the final ball is lacking all too often from Baidoo. He showed great composure to beat two men in the second half, but his lofted ball to the back post was well cleared.
Rami Al Hajj, LAM – 6. Showing signs of a good link up with Puchacz with a few nice give and goes down the left flank. Attempted an audacious flick on the volley which unfortunately couldn’t beat the away keeper. Subbed for Callum Wright in the second half.
Ryan Hardie, ST – 5. Back to fitness and back in the starting lineup but this was another quiet game for Hardie. His style of play is not suited to playing the long ball, so he struggled to hold up possession against QPR’s centre halves. After the break, he had a left footed shot well blocked, but then when one v one with a defender his touch crucially let him down at the vital moment. Subbed for Bundu late on.
Subs
Jordan Houghton, CM – 5. Half time swap for Gyabi in an attempt to stamp authority in the midfield but failed at that. Booked for a foul on Smyth but that aside a fairly muted performance from the former Chelsea youngster.
Callum Wright, CAM – 5. Started on the left then finished the game as the central attacking midfielder, he provided energy but little else as Argyle failed to create any meaningful chances. Had one effort at goal from 25 yards but that looped over the bar.
Mustapha Bundu, ST – 5. Replaced Hardie and played up top as Argyle chased an equaliser. Unsure if that’s his best position but with no Obafemi on the bench Argyle were left with no choice. Nearly got on the end of a lovely Whittaker cross for what would have been a certain goal but for the brilliance of the covering QPR defender.
Ibrahim Cissoko, LAM – N/A. Introduced with ten minutes to go but couldn’t impact the game barely having any touches of the ball.
Matthew Sorinola, RB – N/A. Replaced Mumba and immediately set Whittaker on his way with a terrific long pass. That aside didn’t have enough time or opportunity to impact proceedings.