For the final time this season, Tom Harris reviews the players in Argyle’s loss to Leeds.
Argyle’s two season stay in the Championship was officially ended in a 2-1 to champions Leeds United on the final day of the season.
Prior to kick off Argyle were all but down regardless of the result due to their -35 goal difference, but took the lead against the Championship leaders when Mustapha Bundu’s effort found the back of the net via a kind deflection from Sam Byram.
But Leeds, who had to match Burnley’s result to win the league, showed what a hefty playing budget can do as they rallied after break. Willy Gnonto scored from close range to level the match before Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon fired home in added time to send the away end into raptures.
A league title for Leeds, a miserable relegation for Argyle. One that feels hard to take given the change of fortunes under Miron Muslic.
Here are the ratings from the match:
Conor Hazard GK – 6. Made some routine saves and commanded his area well. Beaten twice as Leeds upped the pressure, perhaps could have done better with the last goal although it did come through 2 Argyle defenders.
Joe Edwards RWB – 7. Tasked with keeping the lively Manor Solomon quiet and he did his very best to do just that, limiting the tricky winger to long shots. Replaced by Matty Sorinola with ten minutes to go.
Kornel Szucs RCB – 6. Back in the central parts of the defence where he looks more comfortable, as opposed to right back. A steady display from Szucs who was subbed for Katic late on. Despite an injury mid season, it’s been a good start to the EFL for the Hungarian who should perform well in League One next season.
Victor Palsson CB – 7. The difference to Palsson under Rooney and Muslic is night and day. He manage to subdue Joel Piroe the league’s top scorer to very few chances. Again should provide a good foundation to build on if he stays next season. Played a sublime pass which ended up with Argyle’s opener.
Maksym Talovierov LCB – 6. Great to see Maxi wearing green in the final game of the season. Dominant in the air and as usual wears his heart on his sleeve.
Bali Mumba LWB – 6 Couldn’t get forward as much as he’d like due to Gnonto and Bogle pushing high for the visitors. His occasional driving runs are pivotal to getting Argyle up the pitch. Can see there being interest from teams above l
Adam Randell CM – 7. Proud moment for the Academy with two homegrown talents starting in the middle of the park. Randell, who’s divided opinion at times this season, broke up play well and did his best to get Argyle moving on the few counter attacks they had. Going off Miron’s mid-week comments, Randell is crucial to how Argyle set up.
Caleb Roberts CM – 6. Is it me or does Roberts always seem to come in when we play Leeds?! Considering his lack of first team action, and his age against a strong side, I thought Roberts handled himself really well. Not afraid to throw himself into a tackle, needs to brush up on a few things but there’s a talented player there. Be interesting to see if he stays around or secures a league 2 loan next season.
Mustapha Bundu LAM – 8 POTM. Sign. Him. On. An excellent display from Bundu once again who proved just how threatening he is. Miron is keen to keep him from his comments midweek and you can see why. Bundu caused chaos to the Leeds back line, he had a chance to score early on but powered an effort just wide, he made no mistake with his next strike which found it’s way into the net via a deflection. Subbed off after picking up a knock. I firmly believe if he stays he could be a League One golden boot winner next season.
Ryan Hardie RAM – 5. Just couldn’t get into the game sadly with more defensive work than counter attacking in this type of match. Won the Argyle Player Of The Season prior to kick off which is a reward for his outstanding efforts, particularly in the second half of the campaign.
Muhamed Tijani ST – 6. Always was going to be a tough game for TJ up against Leeds’ stern back line but he battled well and his hold up play created plenty of room for Bundu to work off. Received a yellow for a late challenge and perhaps that led to his early substitution in the second half. If that’s it for TJ in Green, we’ll always have that belter at home to Sheffield United.
Subs:
Malachi Boateng – 6. Part of a double change in the 67th minute. Threw himself into the action with some gutsy headers. Still unsure if he breaks into the side next season.
Callum Wright – 5. Introduced for TJ sporting a new haircut following his goal at Preston away. Struggled to get on the ball but did have one half chance which was just about gathered by Karl Darlow.
Matty Sorinola – N/A. Back in the squad and in the action earlier than expected after picking up a supposedly season ending muscle strain at Swansea away. It was hoped his energy might contain Leeds to just a point but sadly not to be.
Michael Baidoo:N/A. Late replacement for the injured Bundu. Showed some brief moments of promise in his short spell.
Nikola Katic – N/A. One last dance for the on loan Katic who replaced Szucs late on. Nearly equalised in the 94th minute but his header from a corner flew just wide of the post, although the referee looked to have blown for a free kick… who knows what for.