Player Ratings: Luton 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
Tom Harris reviews Argyle’s 1-1 draw at Kennilworth Road.
A first goal from Maksym Talovierov rescued a deserved point for Plymouth Argyle as they shared the points in a 1-1 draw with fellow relegation threatened outfit Luton Town.
In a game of very few chances, it was Argyle who should have opened the scoring in the first half when Callum Wright converted Tymotuesz Puchacz’s terrific through ball into the back of the net. However, to the midfielder’s dismay the offside flag was raised, although camera angles later showed this was the wrong decision.
That moment of bad fortune could have proved costly as just seconds after coming on as a substitute, Jacob Brown put the hosts in front in the second half. The forward found himself free in the box to prod past Conor Hazard.
But Argyle once again dug deep and when the home side were temporarily a man down due to injury, the Pilgrims pounced. Kornel Szucs delivered a wicked ball to the back post, and there was Talovierov to guide the ball into the far corner, sparking mass celebrations from the 1300 travelling fans.
Here are the ratings from the game.
Conor Hazard, GK – 6. Wasn’t called upon that often in the game such was the stern defence in front of him. Might feel that he could have done better to rush out and deny the shot which squeezed past him to put Luton a goal to the good.
Matty Sorinola, RWB – 7. Dealt with Doughty well on the right side giving the winger little opportunity to get crosses into the box. Muslic opted to sub Sorinola off in the second half as Luton targeted the full back with constant aerial battles.
Maksym Talovierov, RCB – 8 MOTM. Another great game from Maxi who won countless tackles, headers and crucially scored the equaliser which might be vital for Argyle’s survival hopes.
Nikola Katic, CB – 7. Well played again by Katic who was only caught out on one occasion and that turned out to be Luton’s goal. The defender got stuck between two attackers, leaving Brown free to convert just seconds after being brought onto the pitch. That aside Katic’s aerial ability was on show once again to deny a direct Luton side.
Victor Palsson, LCB – 7. The Palsson redemption arc is in full flow. The Icelandic international is playing a system which clearly suits him more than under Wayne Rooney. Took no chances with clearing the ball, and while it may not have been pretty it was effective in such a tight game.
Tymotuesz Puchacz, LWB – 6. Not the type of game where we could see the best of Puchacz with more defending than attacking. Nonetheless part of a defence that is much more solid than it had been earlier this season.
Jordan Houghton, CM – 6 Rotated with Gyabi to help bring more control to the midfield but Argyle really struggled to get on the ball at all such was the route 1 play from the home side.
Adam Randell, CM – 7 Despite his height Randell has terrific jumping ability and showed this again by winning countless headers in the midfield. The Academy graduate was not afraid to put in a big challenge or two as well in what was a strong display.
Callum Wright, LAM – 6. Wrongfully denied his first goal since 2023 when he rolled the ball into the back of the net in the first half. He didn’t let it get him down though and troubled the Luton defence with his pressing. Subbed late in the second half for Gyabi.
Rami Al Hajj, RAM – 5.Had the difficult task of replacing the in form Ryan Hardie who was sidelined with an injury but couldn’t grow into the game. Al Hajj fell victim to holding on to the ball too long at times and was exchanged for Tijani shortly after the hour.
Mustapha Bundu, ST – 5. Led the line again but failed to hold up the ball against Luton’s hefty back three. Received a booking in stoppage time. His wayward pass to Callum Wright gifted the ball to Luton which eventually resulted in their goal.
Subs:
Kornel Szucs – 7. His height and physicality was much needed due to the onslaught of long balls from Luton. He slotted in at right back excellently, and came up with the perfect delivery when his whipped a ball to the back post picked out Talovierov to equalise. Booked for a tactical foul on 77 minutes as Luton threatened to break.
Mohammed Tijani – 5. TJ has missed a lot of this season through injury and you can tell he’s lacking match practice. Despite his height the Slavia Prague loanee failed to hold the ball up or offer anything of note in his half hour spell on the pitch. Needs to do more if he’s to stake any place in the side.
Darko Gyabi – NA. A late substitute for Callum Wright as Argyle added extra legs to the midfield