Is it still on? Surely not… Tom Harris reviews the players from the shock win over Sheffield United that once again gives hope to the greens…
There was yet another twist in the relegation tale this season as Argyle came from behind to defeat high flying Sheffield United 2-1 at Home Park.
Despite the visitors’ lofty league status it was a thoroughly deserved three points for Argyle who had to earn them the hard way after Jesurun Rak-Sakyi opened the scoring a few minutes short of half time.
But a second half masterclass and some impactful substitutions proved vital as Argyle notched two late goals through Ryan Hardie and then Muhammed Tijani to claim the much-needed win.
Here are the ratings from the game:
Conor Hazard GK – 7 Powerless to stop United’s opener but made a terrific 1v1 save to deny Rak-Sakyi a second after the break. A moment that proved vital in the turnaround.
Bali Mumba RB – 8 POTM. A terrific display from Mumba, especially after the break where he moved from right back to left. Though the position should favour the left footer he’s easily Argyle’s best player for the position, his driving run and cross led to Tijani’s winner and his defensive side was spot on.
Kornel Szucs CB – 7 Steady display from Szucs who again used his long throw to good effect. Looked comfortable despite United’s attacking prowess.
Viktor Palsson CB – 7 A transformed player under Muslic and so much better at the heart of the back 3. Bar his unfortunate header which fell back to United for their opener, the Icelandic international barely put a foot wrong.
Julio Pleguezuelo CB – 8 Simply brilliant again from Pleggy who must be playing through the pain barrier at the moment but is showing little signs of it. He is embracing the fight of relegation and leading by example with some fiery but well timed tackles.
Nathaniel Ogbeta LB – 5 Muslic revealed his plan to bring Edwards on later was a tactical one hence the start for Ogbeta. Got caught for the opening goal, giving his man far too much time to cut in and finish. Subbed at half time.
Adam Randell CM – 6 A much better display than the Swansea horror show in midweek. A proper combative display from Rands. Although his corner did eventually lead to Argyle’s first goal a number of his free kick deliveries and corners disappointingly didn’t beat the first man.
Jordan Houghton CM – 7 Houghton broke up play really well in this massive fixture. He made two challenges which I’d brandish as “letting them know you’re there” in the first 5 minutes and that’s exactly what’s needed in the state Argyle find themselves in.
Callum Wright RAM – 6 Always plays with his heart on his sleeve but things didn’t quite work out for Wright on this occasion as he was replaced by Tijani with 65 minutes played.
Mustapha Bundu 7 ST – Led the line for much of the game but rotated to the 10 spot when Tijani came on. Showed his raw pace and strength when he shrugged a United defender off the ball and cut inside, but to his dismay Souza made an excellent covering challenge. Standing ovation when he was subbed for Gyabi, well deserved.
Ryan Hardie LAM – 8 Argyle are pining for consistency and Hardie is delivering it with his 9th goal since the turn of the year. Argyle poachers finish from a corner in front of Cooper might not have been the most memorable of finishes, but one that sparked the comeback. Will be among the player of the season nominees.
Subs:
Joe Edwards – 8 Captain fantastic came on, rallied the troops and played just as you’d expect, with unrelenting passion and determination. Deservedly got the assist when his bicycle kick attempt fell to the feet of Hardie to make it 1-1. In line to start next Friday.
Muhammed Tijani – 8 An excellent substitute display from TJ who’s had the most frustrating of seasons with multiple hamstring setbacks. Upon entry to the pitch he won free kicks, headers and quite simply dominated the United back line. Looked fitter than he had done in previous appearances and took his goal terrifically, guiding the ball hard and low into the bottom corner.
Darko Gyabi – A late replacement for Bundu as Argyle saw the game out.