Tom Harris picks the bones out of a more encouraging performance but a draw that is ultimately two points dropped…
Argyle were left thinking what could have been after they played well but could only muster a 0-0 draw away at Watford.
The Pilgrims arguably had the better of the first half and could have gone ahead when Ryan Hardie struck goalwards with a fierce left-footed strike, however he was denied by a strong hand by the Watford keeper.
As expected, the home side rallied after the interval but failed to turn their dominant possession into goals. They were often frustrated with some crucial last-ditch defending by Argyle shirts.
The game became open but Argyle failed to make any of their counter attacks pay off, their best chance of the half fell to the returning Muhamed Tijani, when a corner dropped to him inside the area but he could only shoot wide of the mark.
Here are the ratings from the stalemate.
Conor Hazard GK – 7. Booked for a yellow card for time wasting. That aside it was a strong performance from Hazard who picked up Argyle’s third clean sheet of the season. His high flying save from Baah was the pick of the bunch to earn Argyle a point.
Matty Sorinola RWB – 6. Back from suspension and offered a driving force down the right flank and some good deliveries too. Subbed late on in the second half as Argyle targeted a win.
Kornel Szucs RCB – 6. Has the chance to get a good run in the side now Maxi is out for the season. Szucs put in a steady performance and once again used his long throws to threaten Watford. Made a terrific low block to deny a fierce shot from Vata in the second half.
Nikola Katic CB – 6. An improved display from Katic after a horror show against Derby before the international break. He played more passes on the floor which was refreshing compared to aimless lobs up the pitch as has been the case in the past. Came up with a crucial block to deny Bayo early in the second half although the Watford forward should have scored.
Julio Pleguezuelo LCB – 9 MOTM. Head and shoulders above everyone else in the side. Pleggy has proved he’s a force to be reckoned with, coming back just weeks after sustaining broken ribs. He put in numerous blocks and whole-hearted tackles to deny Watford. Must be one of the first names on the team sheet. Excellent.
Tymo Puchacz LWB- 6. Fortunate that Hazard bailed him out with a big save after he was caught out of position to let Baah in. That aside it was a steady display from the full back.
Adam Randell CM – 7. Argyle are a better side when Randell is in the side there’s no question about it. Even Muslic branded the ‘Plymstock Pirlo’ as Argyle’s best player in the lead up to this game. The central midfielder broke up play well and was on hand to win his fair share of headers defensively. Most crucially when he blocked Pollock’s effort in the second half. Did occasionally give the ball away too easily but a solid first game back.
Darko Gyabi CM – 6. I thought that the game being so open at times would mean we would see the best of Gyabi but it wasn’t the case. Lunged into numerous challenges early on, picking up a yellow in the process. Eventually subbed for Houghton.
Ryan Hardie RAM – 6. Looked a lot fitter thanks to a much-needed rest in the international break. The forward should have put Argyle 1-0 up in the first half but was denied by a firm hand from the Watford keeper. Had chances to get Argyle in front after the break but shot when a pass was the better option, then passed when the goal was gaping to shoot! Replaced late on for Tijani.
Michael Obafemi LAM – 6. Probably one of his most complete performances for Argyle, especially in the first half. The Burnley loanee played some neat passes, one of those led to Hardie’s big chance. Didn’t impact the game as much after the game and looked to have picked up a knock just before being subbed.
Mustapha Bundu ST – 6. Putting in consistent strong performances is what Bundu needs and we didn’t see the best of him against Watford although he did make some nice passes. Had a glaring opportunity in the counter in the first half when he and Hardie were 2v2 but his pass was all wrong and the chance went begging. Subbed off holding his hamstring.
Substitutions:
Bali Mumba – 5. Introduced initially at an attacking midfield spot and finished the game at right back. Fortunate that after he gifted possession back to Watford deep in stoppage time, the hosts failed to make the most of the opportunity.
Jordan Houghton – 5. A like for like sub for the booked Gyabi. Nothing major to talk about for Houghton in this outing.
Callum Wright – 5. Looked to have the energy that Argyle needed in the dying moments. But couldn’t provide the vital spark needed to take home the victory.
Michael Baidoo – 4. I actually thought this would be a prime opportunity to see Baidoo come off the bench with the game being so open in the dying stages. However, this was not to be. In his 11 minute display, he hit multiple passes astray and most frustratingly, he jogged and held onto the ball when Argyle had a 3v1 in their favour before losing possession. Looks massively shot of confidence this transfer has not worked out for him so far at all.
Muhamed Tijani – N/A. A late cameo from TJ who’s on the injury comeback once again this season. Had a huge opportunity to score when the ball landed at his feet within the box but he curled his shot wide of the mark.