Player Ratings: Plymouth Argyle 3-1 Luton
Tom Harris looks back at another memorable Home Park evening under the lights.
Super sub Ibrahim Cissoko notched a brace as Plymouth Argyle made it back-to-back victories at Home Park with a 3-1 win over Luton Town.
Newcomer Rami Al Hajj put the Pilgrims 1-0 with eight minutes played with a thumping strike into the top corner after being teed up by Ryan Hardie.
After missing several chances Argyle eventually doubled their lead through Cissoko in the 70th minute following great driving play from Darko Gyabi.
Luton reduced the deficit when Victor Moses powered home a low strike a minute later, but it was Cissoko who was to have the final say. Weaving between two defenders and scoring at the second attempt in stoppage time.
Check out the match ratings from what was another thriller at Home Park under the lights.
Daniel Grimshaw, GK - 6. Still waiting for his first Argyle clean sheet after Victor Moses’ second half effort crept in at the near post. He adds a different dimension to Argyle with his ability to get Argyle accurately playing out from the back which can only benefit the side.
Joe Edwards, RB - 7. Put in a solid shift at right back. Not his most prominent match but nonetheless a solid display from the skipper. Could have put Argyle ahead in the first half when a low cross found its way to him inside the six yard box but somehow he couldn’t but Luton’s Thomas Kaminski.
Kornel Szucs, RCB- 7. Had his central defender to thank after a lapse in concentration nearly let in Luton in in the first half. That aside it was a good display from the Hungarian who was a huge part of Argyle’s efforts to deny Luton, especially from corners.
Lewis Gibson, LCB POTM - 9. A superb display from Argyle’s imperious centre back. Made several last ditch tackles and blocks in the first half to keep the visitors at bay. Like his centre back partner he, played his part in denying Luton from their 15 corners. Should Gibson’s performances continue to impress you’d think clubs from above may have a look in January.
Bali Mumba, LB - 6. Luton had clearly targeted Mumba from the outset and set about hurling long balls down Argyle’s left side. In fairness, Mumba dealt with them well to an extent but it was a good tactical sub by Rooney to switch things up at the break.
Adam Randell, CM - 8. The yellow card in the first half for a professional foul was the only blip in another classy display from the Plymstock Pirlo. So nearly scored his first of the season in the dying stages when his fierce 30 yard strike thundered off the crossbar. I’m fairly sure the woodwork at the Devonport End is still shaking! Great to see one our own nailing down a spot in the starting team week in, week out.
Darko Gyabi, CM - 7. This is much more like it from Gyabi. Powerful running, incisive passes and quick feet. The Leeds loanee looks well up to speed. Operated in a wider position in the second half and capped off a hard working display with an expertly executed drive and pass to Cissoko for Argyle’s second of the game.
Morgan Whittaker, RM - 6. Quieter display from the number 10 who as usual attempted strikes from range but couldn’t find the target on this occasion. Argyle having more goal scoring options may take the pressure (and opponents defence) away from Whittaker which in the long run might benefit the winger. Like others so far this season he’s worked hard on the defensive side of his game and made several sliding tackles to keep the visitors away.
Rami Al Hajj, CAM - 8. Scoring eight minutes into your full home debut is some way to set the tone for your career at Argyle. The midfielder found himself perfectly placed to smash Hardie’s lay off into the top left corner from the edge of the box. There were a couple of loose passes and wrong decisions that on another day could’ve been costly, but nevertheless a solid 58 minutes for Rami who was replaced by Adam Forshaw.
Michael Obafemi, LM - 6. Selected ahead of Cissoko and put in a shift on the left wing. Should have put Argyle 2-0 up in the 11th minute when he got on the end of Whitaker’s cut back. But the Burnley loanee could only fire wide of the Luton net.
Ryan Hardie, ST - 6. An 80 minute stint for the Scotsman who didn’t have much to shout about for his endeavours. Had a half chance in the second half but saw his left-footed strike blocked when he ought to have slid in Obafemi.
Subs:
Ibrahim Cissoko, LM - 8. Hard to believe he’s scored twice and not getting man of the match. A superb substitute performance from Cissoko who showcased his talents with a left footed strike into the far right corner, followed by terrific feet and composure to finish in stoppage time. Already a fans’ favourite and you can see why! Cissoko OH!
Adam Forshaw, CM - 5. Brought on to sure up the midfield but some wayward passes let down his display. Had a half chance in stoppage time but his take shot was easily held.
Jordan Houghton, CM - 6. Replaced a cramped Darko Gyabi with 20 minutes to go as Argyle went about seeing out the game. A quiet display from Houghton who is struggling to get in the side with the current form of his fellow midfield players.
Brendan Galloway, LB - 7. A tactical switch for Bali Mumba at half time. Galloway had his hands full on the left flank but his physique helped Argyle nullify Luton’s threat on the long ball.
Muhammad Tijani, ST - 6. Replaced Ryan Hardie in latter stages as Argyle looked to hold onto the ball. The forward did just that, making a nuisance of himself, winning free kicks and presenting a different challenge to Luton’s back line. Could’ve had his first goal in green but saw a goalbound strike deflected out for a corner.
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