A gripping encounter saw Plymouth Argyle edge out playoff-chasing Coventry and continue their 100% start to 2019.

Kyle Letheren – 8

With the number 1 jersey still being up for grabs, Letheren did plenty to strengthen his case for a starting spot for the rest of the season. A number of saves throughout the game kept Argyle in the contest, including two terrific one-on-one blocks. His kicking was also better than it had been in any of his previous performances this year.

Ashley Smith-Brown – 6

Up against the lively Jordy Hiwula, Smith-Brown understandably struggled to keep tabs on him at times, however, he kept his composure, didn’t dive in too often and kept his shape to ensure that Hiwula at least had to rely on crossing the ball rather than getting in behind our defence. He also contributed well in attack, although on one occasion when having a great chance to take on the shot himself, tried passing to a clearly offside Ladapo. Another negative was that he gave away the free kick which led to Coventry’s goal.

Ryan Edwards – 6

Generally, Edwards was good. However, being up against a very small Coventry front line (until they brought on Clarke-Harris), one would expect a centre-half of Edwards’ size to win more of his headers. Coventry’s movement did drag both centre-halves around. His distribution was also less than impressive. However, a number of last-ditch blocks proved critical in Argyle’s three points.

Niall Canavan – 6

Canavan got caught badly for pace leading to a big chance for Conor Chaplin. Luckily the Irishman just got a toe onto the ball which meant Chaplin had less time to compose himself for the one-on-one – it could just have made all the difference. Much like Edwards, his distribution was a little lacking but he blocked everything that came his way. His injury is hopefully not too serious.

Gary Sawyer – 6

A shaky first 10 minutes saw a few slack headers and Luke Thomas beating Sawyer with ease when dribbling at the Argyle left-back. However, Derek Adams dropping Argyle’s wide men back slightly to support the full-backs more helped solve this issue, and Sawyer grew into the game from there.

David Fox – 6

Once again in a role higher up the pitch than optimal, Fox at least did a fine job of pressing Coventry and forcing them into occasional errors. With the ball, he produced a few fine crossfield passes, but was a little lax in possession. Not quite top form, but he still offers plenty to this team.

Yann Songo’o – 5

As we all know, Songo’o in midfield gives Argyle plenty of passion and some ability to win headers. In a scrappy game this can be very effective. However, against a team like Coventry who tried to play a passing style, Songo’o got given the runaround. His work on the ball, whilst not terrible, was also unconvincing. With Oscar Threlkeld, Conor Grant and Jamie Ness all waiting in the wings, you fear for Songo’o’s starting spot in this team in weeks to come.

Antoni Sarcevic – 6

A very poor tackle saw Sarcevic booked in the first half. Thankfully, Sarcevic overcame this (and a less-than-perfect first half in general) to come back stronger in the second half. His use of the ball was better, and when coming deeper to get the ball, he started some of our attacks well. He had one great chance on the half-volley which didn’t quite come down quickly enough for him and was hit straight at the goalkeeper.

Graham Carey – 6

It’s still not quite happening for Carey, but he is by no means playing badly or should be considered for dropping. He played a number of excellent passes and showed fine close control as Coventry looked to double-mark him out of the game. When managing to get one-on-one with a defender, some dribbles came off and some didn’t. He also snatched at a volleyed chance in the second half which went well wide.

Ruben Lameiras – 9 (Man of the Match)

Goodness knows what the Coventry fans were thinking watching that. Goodness knows what Coventry City Football Club were thinking when they released him! He is in the form of his life right now. Even disregarding his match-winning goals (one of which did take a small deflection), his work rate, movement off the ball, first touch and creativity was sublime.

Freddie Ladapo – 6

It was good to see in a way that Argyle were able to create so many chances for various different players – it has often been the case this season that we have relied on Ladapo to score the goals. Against Coventry he didn’t have many sights of goal, so it was more about his hold up play – which is gradually improving but still is a little short of the standard required. However, he did work hard, and did come into the game a lot more when our midfield was able to push up and support him.