Player Ratings: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Stoke
Tom Harris runs us through the pros and cons of another frustrating defeat.
Plymouth Argyle’s wait for a league win under the leadership of Wayne Rooney continued as the Pilgrims slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Home Park.
In a tightly-contested match where both sides had chances it was Million Manhoef’s speculative strike which squirmed through a host of bodies into the bottom right corner with 83 minutes on the clock that proved decisive, as Steven Schumacher’s Potters got their second league win of the campaign.
Here are the ratings from the match:
Conor Hazard, GK - 7 MOTM. The Irishman was given the nod over Daniel Grimshaw and justified his selection with several fine stops including a smart double save in the first half where he denied Manoef spectacularly. Notably, his distribution was quicker too.
Joe Edwards, RB - 7. Another fine display from Argyle’s captain at full back. As ever full of pace and energy, it was a solid display by Edwards who might have nailed down the right back spot.
Kornel Szucs, RCB - 6. It was a promising display from the Hungarian, who is looks set to strike up a partnership with Gibson in the abscence of Brendan Galloway. The centre back has an eye for a pass too and was always looking to break the lines of the Stoke formation.
Lewis Gibson, LCB - 6. Big tackles and looping cross field balls are becoming a prominent feature in Gibson’s game: a tidy display by the Argyle centre back.
Bali Mumba, LB- 5. He seems the favourite at left back at the moment and as always was full of energy. Once again, his final ball was lacking on a number of occasions. Came into the game more in the second half, when unlike the first, he held his width rather than inverting into centre midfield. Was unlucky that Manoef’s goal went through his legs on its way in.
Adam Randell, CM -6. In truth, not his finest display with a couple of loose touches in the first half. His tenacity is admirable and his range of passing gets Argyle on the front foot in most games.
Jordan Houghton, CM - 6. Struggled to find his feet at times in the first half. He likes to pick up pockets and get Argyle moving on the half turn, but wasn’t always able to. That said, he came more into the game as the match widened up before he was subbed for Adam Forshaw in the 77th minute.
Darko Gyabi, CAM - 5. Gyabi started in that 10 role, but didn’t possess the drive he had against Watford in midweek. Summed up a forgettable display when a goal kick held up in the wind and landed on the back of his head. Subbed for Michael Obafemi on the hour mark.
Ibrahim Cissoko, LW - 6. Not his best game as, like Mumba, he saw several passes go astray and when he did beat a man his crosses weren’t always accurate. The Dutchman came close with a curling effort in the first half and tested the reflexes of Viktor Johansson after the break.
Morgan Whittaker, RW - 7. Unsurprisingly, a positive reception for Whittaker who between himself and Argyle managed to snub off any substantial bids on transfer deadline day. He was dangerous particularly in the first half for Argyle forcing Johansson into three saves. Not so consistently effective after the break but always a threat on the right side, again brought out the best in the Stoke shot-stopper when his low left-footed drive was turned round the post.
Ryan Hardie, ST - 6. It’s beginning to feel like it’s the same old for Hardie at the moment. Until Argyle get a number 10 playing, he’s so isolated up front, chasing lost causes and starting the press for his stint on the pitch. Closest he came to scoring was a flicked header from a Randell corner in the 53rd minute which flew across the face of goal. Subbed for Mohamed Tijani with an hour on the clock.
Subs:
Michael Obafemi, ST - 6. Some glimpses of what’s to come from the Burnley loanee who made an impact off the bench. His most notable highlight was when he brought the ball under control, made a yard of space, then shot at goal but Johansson tipped his strike over the bar.
Muhamed Tijani, ST - 5. Didn’t offer much aside a more physical presence up top in the half hour he was on the pitch.
Adam Forshaw, CM - 5. A straight swap for Jordan Houghton but the experience Forshaw, back from serving a one-match suspension, failed to add anything to the game and was brandished a yellow card for hauling down his man to slow a counter.
Mustapha Bundu, LW - 5. Came on out wide and struggled to get into the match in the 15 minutes or so he took to the pitch.
You must have been watching a different game to me !! I thought Joe and Rands were both excellent...and Morgan....what an enigma....very poor 2nd half....never a 7 pal