On a day where everything else went against us, Plymouth Argyle made sure to fulfill their side of the bargain with an excellent performance and win against play-off chasing Coventry. Tom Harris rates the players.
Plymouth Argyle produced arguably one of their most complete performances of the season as they defeated play-off contenders Coventry City 3-1 at Home Park.
Despite having less of the ball, the Pilgrims found themselves two to the good midway through the first half thanks to quick-fire goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie.
They were pegged back moments before the break after Haji Wright tapped in from a Conor Hazard save, but Argyle secured all three points when Bundu notched his second of the match, bundling the ball home in front of the Devonport End in the 65th minute to secure the win.
Here are the ratings from the game:
Conor Hazard GK – 6 A rare quiet game for Hazard who had very little to do throughout the 90. Might have felt he could have done better with his save that led to Coventry’s goal, when he parried the ball back into play rather than out to the side.
Kornel Szucs RWB – 7 Was in for a tough task against Wright but stick to his guns and made some great tackles. His long throw is always a threat and led to Argyle’s third goal.
Victor Palsson CB – 8 What a redemption it’s been for Palsson. He was superb once again for Argyle and had the ability to get himself in the right place at the right time to snuff out any danger. Also provided the assist for Bundu’s second when he simply wanted the ball more to get up above his man and flick to Bundu. Excellent.
Nikola Katic CB – 7 Back fit and at the heart of defence, Katic produced the sort of display we’ve come to expect from him at this point. Played his part in keeping Coventry’s usually prolific front three very quiet.
Julio Pleguezuelo CB – 7 Yet again he performs when called upon, though it was a slightly quieter display from Pleggy, he never shirked a tackle.
Bali Mumba LWB – 8 We saw glimpses of trademark Mumba against Coventry, especially in the first half where the visitors simply couldn’t handle him. His breathtaking runs committed defenders and provided such a dangerous threat down the left flank alongside Bundu.
Adam Randell CM – 7 Wore the captain’s armband in place of suspended Joe Edwards and came up with the assist for the opener when he showed good intelligence to touch the ball ahead of his man before laying the ball on a plate for Bundu.
Darko Gyabi CM – 8 I’d go on record to say it was probably Gyabi’s most complete performances of the season in the 3-1 win over Coventry. The Leeds loanee was simply everywhere, winning tackles and moving Argyle forward. He could have had an assist to his name when he played in Bundu in the first half, but the striker’s curling effort whizzed just past the far post.
Ryan Hardie RAM – 8 Another energetic display from Hardie who ran his socks off once again. He took his goal very nicely and ought to have had a couple more but for two saves by the visiting keeper after the break. Deservedly received a standing ovation upon substitution.
Mustapha Bundu LAM – 9 Offer him everything that he wants, Argyle simply must do everything they can to entice Bundu into signing a new contract, given his current one expires in the summer. He was an absolute menace in this game, beating defenders, winning duels and finding the back of the net. He took his first goal very nicely, and his second showed his raw strength to beat the keeper in the air to bundle home.
Muhamed Tijani ST – 7 No goals, but a solid performance from TJ on just his second start of the season. His unselfish hold up play allowed his fellow forwards to move into space which Coventry just couldn’t deal with.
Subs:
Callum Wright – Replaced Tijani with just over 10 to go as Argyle saw the game out.
Freddie Isaaka – A like for like swap for Hardie, Isaaka didn’t have much opportunity to get on the ball in his short spell on the pitch.
Michael Baidoo – A stoppage time substitute for Bundu, he had a half chance to add a fourth for Argyle but the ball simply wouldn’t settle for him.
Malachi Boateng – Replaced Gyabi in the 92nd minute as Argyle saw out the win.