More misery on the road. Tom Harris rates the players after Plymouth Argyle’s loss to Hull.
Argyle failed to muster even a shot on target as they slipped to a dismal 2-0 defeat away to fellow relegation contenders Hull City.
Perhaps fatigued from their memorable FA Cup run, Argyle never looked like scoring in this drab affair. The hosts knocked at the door for most of the first half but some last ditch defending and smart saving from Hazard kept Hull at bay.
It only took two minutes after the break for Hull to take the lead, Joe Gelhardt (once linked with a loan move to Argyle) converted from close range after a deflected effort fell kindly to the Leeds loanee.
Argyle were then played through all too easily as Hull doubled their lead when Joao Pedro was slipped through. The Brazilian unselfishly laid the ball to Abu Kamara who easily slotted in to wrap up the three points, although once again replays showed there was an offside in the build up.
Miron Muslic altered his sides’ formation late on which brought better football, but no chances of any note to write home about as Argyle’s away day woes continued.
Here are the ratings:
Conor Hazard, GK – 6 POTM. The goalkeeper could do nothing about the goals that did beat him, a close range finish from Gelhardt and a tap in from Kamara, but he did make several stops to keep the score at just two.
Matty Sorinola RWB, – 5. Couldn’t get forward as much in the back 5 system which is leaving Argyle toothless up top at times. Defensively astute game from Sorinola who picked up a yellow for kicking the ball away late on.
Maksym Talovierov, RCB – 4. Not a memorable display from Maxi who looked like he was one of a number of Argyle players feeling fatigued after the FA cup tie at Manchester City. The Ukrainian didn’t look his usual self on the right side of the back three and picked up a yellow for a late and high challenge in the first half. Substituted for Callum Wright late on.
Nikola Katic, CB – 5. Katic was having a fairly decent display at centre half until his attempt to block a shot fell right at the feet of Gelhardt who slammed in the opener. Argyle are going to have rely on his leadership abilities if they’re to survive this season, once again he stood his ground at set pieces, commanding the air.
Julio Pleguezuelo, LCB – 6. Gutsy display from Pleggy who always gives leaves everything on the pitch. Can’t be blamed for either of the two Hull goals.
Tymo Puchacz, LWB – 4. Rested on Saturday for this game but it wasn’t to any avail. Puchacz struggled to get forward in the first half and when he did his final ball (as has been the case often this season) was lacking. Yellow carded and consequently subbed for Ogbeta midway through the second half.
Jordan Houghton, CM – 4. When Argyle go as direct as they did in the first half against Hull it makes it so difficult for the midfield pairing to get involved in the game, and that was the case again. A frustrating night for Houghton who was substituted for Boateng in the second half.
Darko Gyabi, CM – 4. Had the chance to stake a claim for the a starting place more consistently following the injury to Adam Randell but again offered nothing on the night. Like Houghton he’s not benefiting from the direct style of play but nonetheless when he did have the chance to play the decision making/pass was lacking.
Bali Mumba, RAM – 4. The Green Army longed for an energy in the 10 positions but that’s only beneficial if you can get them on the ball and that wasn’t the case against Hull. An ineffective display by Mumba and Argyle altogether proved how much Argyle are missing an experienced championship level playmaker.
Rami Al Hajj, LAM – 4. Started on the left side and found a few nice passes but nothing groundbreaking from Al Hajj. Feels like Deja vu but again hes a player who likes to get the ball down and play but that isn’t what the manager is after, or not immediately anyway. Replaced on the hour.
Mustapha Bundu. ST – 4. At Man City away we saw the best of Bundu’s hold up play, unfortunately at Hull City we saw the opposite. Besides a few flicks in the opening exchanges the forward could barely make the ball stick much to the annoyance of everyone watching on. It meant Hull could easily sustain their pressure and frankly their 47th minute goal was a long time coming.
Substitutes:
Michael Obafemi – 5. Introduced on the hour for Al Hajj but as a 10 rather than up front. He didn’t look comfortable and failed to provide the impact Argyle needed.
Malachi Boateng – 6 If he’d have been in from the start Boateng might have been a contender for player of the match. The new signing was everywhere following his introduction, breaking up play, and trying to get Argyle moving forward at all times. Must start on Saturday.
Nathaniel Ogbeta – 6. Replaced Puchacz at left back and looked threatening with some dangerous crosses as Argyle moved to a back 4. Had Argyle’s best opportunity of the match albeit from a tight angle but his effort in stoppage time flew over the bar.
Callum Wright – 5. Brought energy but no end product in his brief spell on the pitch. Summed up a dreadful night for Argyle when his attempted cross flew into row Z.
Michael Baidoo – N/A. Not on for long enough to warrant a rating but concerningly opted to check back inside when the ball seemed to sit up nicely on the edge of the area for a shot.