Back with a bang to start the New Year, Tom Harris rates the players from the first game of 2025.
Julio Pleguezuelo’s last gasp equaliser rescued a point for the post-Rooney Pilgrims in a 2-2 draw with Bristol City at Home Park.
Despite having the better of the play, Argyle found themselves behind in the first half when Anis Mehmeti rolled the ball into the open net, although TV angles show he was offside and the goal should not have stood.
Argyle levelled through a composed Rami Al-Hajj volley on 50 minutes and looked to take the game to Bristol however Jason Knight’s cheeky lobbed finish had the visitors back in front a mere six minutes later.
But once again Argyle’s never say die attitude rallied and there was Pleguezuelo in the 91st minute in the right place to flick a the ball home after a dangerous delivery from Adam Randell.
Here are the ratings from the fixture:
Conor Hazard, GK – 6. Preferred to Daniel Grimshaw once again between the sticks, Hazard was caught in no man’s land for the opener. Made a superb save shortly after the restart to keep the score at 1-0 before being lobbed for the vistors’ second. His lack of decisiveness can frustrate Home Park, when it comes to distribution.
Matthew Sorinola, RWB – 6. This time, he was played as the right wing back and as ever ran his socks off. At times, he was let down by wayward passing but he possesses a good delivery.
Kornel Szucs, CB – 6. The Hungarian was composed on the ball but part of a defence that was passed through way too easily on a number of occasions. Clearly ,he missed his usual partner Lewis Gibson who was absent from the squad.
Julio Pleguezeulo, CB – 8 MOTM. After a long wait, he nabbed his first goal in green in the 91st minute when he prodded home a free kick. His gutsy performances and passion for the shirt make him a favourite amongst the fans however like Szucs was caught on occasions with City forwards running in behind.
Brendan Galloway, CB – 6. Another full 90 in the tank will do him good after an injury over Christmas. It was a tough time up against Bristol’s busy front line throughout the match, but he held his own.
Adam Randell, CM – 6. The local boy is having a frustrating spell at the moment where he’s giving the ball away cheaply on regular occasions. He had a big chance to level right on half time but his 20 yard free kick hit the wall rather than the back of the net. On the plus side, his delivery in stoppage time led to Argyle’s late equaliser.
Darko Gyabi CM – 6 He’s getting a good run in the team of late but needs to release the ball sooner to effect games more. There was a sublime ball in behind for Whittaker as Argyle chased a second but the winger couldn’t make anything of the chance.
Rami Al Hajj, CAM – 7. The midfielder seems to be growing in confidence and produced a better performance. His tricky feet can frustrate or appease the crowd dependent on its success and he still is guilty of overplaying at times. He had a couple sighters easily held in the first half but took his goal brilliantly on the volley after being will picked out by Whittaker with 50 minutes played.
Morgan Whittaker, CAM – 8. In his home park return, he was deployed in a central role and to good effect in what was his best display for a while rather than being isolated on the wing. His role in the equaliser was a terrific, dinking a delicate cross to Al Hajj to fire home. He could have had one of his own minutes later but his thunder strike ricocheted off the top of the crossbar.
Bali Mumba LWB – 6 .Despite being played slightly further forward, he never looked like beating his man in attacking areas. It was an unremarkable performance before eventually being subbed for Cissoko as Argyle moved to a back four.
Ryan Hardie ST – 5. It was not a memorable display from Hardie who may still be recovering from an injury which required stitches at home to Middlesbrough before Christmas. The forward squandered a glorious opportunity in the first half, somehow firing over from close range with the score poised at 0-0. Subbed for Obafemi with 72 minutes played.
Subs:
Michael Obafemi ST – 5. On hia return, he again struggled to make an impact and again his first touch let him down. He had an ideal opportunity to lay the ball off to Al Hajj but got his pass all wrong inside the box at the vital moment.
Ibrahim Cissoko LM – 6. It was a welcome return to action for Cissoko who last featured in the 5-0 drumming at Cardiff, where he was sent off in the first half. He took no time to get back and beat his defender. Perhaps showed his rustiness not to get his head up and play the ball as Argyle piled men forward.
Andre Gray ST – N/A. Gray was an 85th minute substitute for Al Hajj as Argyle chased a leveller. Failed to impact proceedings.