Anth’s Player Ratings: Plymouth 1-3 Sunderland - Finally... a bloody win!!!!

Lee Burge: 6/10

Made a great save low down to his right late into the first half, had no right to get to it. Conceded the goal, which was the defences fault and not his own (goalkeepers union, and that). Confidently claimed a cross at the death which calmed a lot of nerves. Didn’t really have a lot to do though.

Denver Hume 7/10

Made a great challenge in the first half in his own box which stopped a good looking attack, passed the ball well at times. Caught ball watching for their goal (like all of the defenders), lost his man which allowed the goal. Grabbed himself the easiest goal he’ll ever score.

Bailey Wright 6/10

Appeared to be suffering from trepidation early doors, grew into the game. Won a few key headers at the back to stop their crosses reaching their attackers. Looked nervy but nothing too disgraceful at the back.

Luke O’Nien 6/10

Shaky first half, missed a simple header from a cross, which lead to Hume deflecting it across the box to their lad. Found himself in the opposition half after the sending off, sent a few crosses over. Again, decent, but he’s not a centre half, is he?

Conor McLaughlin 6/10

Came off at half time after shaky return to first team action. Won a few challenges but was caught ball watching a couple of times, leading to Plymouth chances (which ultimately amounted to nothing). Good to see him back though, and with match fitness he will strengthen our back line.

Max Power 7/10

A hard working performance, closing down their midfield, getting into attacking positions, barking orders at everyone and generally leading by example. A lot of the early play was asking Power to play long to the front lads, which he done to the best of his ability.

Josh Scowen 7/10

Comfortable performance in the middle of the park. Nowt flash. Comfortable on the ball, some strong tackling in the middle. Went off on ‘88 for Leadbitter.

Lyndon Gooch 7/10

Looked very strong in the first half, holding the ball up well, showing desire in the press, and ultimately playing a magnificent ball down the line for Stewart for the first goal. Was very confident with the ball at his feet and always wanted it when he didn’t have it. Had a few shots himself one which hit the post in the first half. Won the penalty, literally, with attacking desire alone.

Jack Diamond 7/10

Was our most dangerous player in the first ten minutes, then a few errors (and a stern telling off from Captain Power) slowed him down for the next ten. Had a strong first half aside from those errors. Some poor decision making from some very good positions. Should have played Stewart in earlier when countering on 45 minutes. All in all, strong performance, very exciting when attacking but could show more quality in the oppositions box. Fell asleep for the play which led to their goal. Come off on 65.

Jordan Jones 7/10

Showed some great quality with some crosses from deep, consistently looking like a threat moving forward. Had a few half chances which amounted to nothing, but his ability to create chances in the box must have terrified Plymouth all game. Could probably have helped Hume out a bit more for their goal, but thats nitpicking.

Ross Stewart 8/10

Great finish for the goal, showing pace I didn’t even know he had! Was great up front, lost the ball a few times, but generally made himself an nuisance. Defended some set pieces well with his head too. Looked very good with the ball at his feet and that led to the Plymouths sending off. Hit the bar with a header late on, constantly causing problems. Denied a penalty on ‘80 which looked like a definite foul. Good all round performance. Came off for O’Brien on ‘88.

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Carl Winchester: 7/10

Had a shot 5 minutes into the second half which grazed the post. Gave us more attacking nous when he came on.

Chris Maguire: 7/10

His first touch of the ball is to strike the crossbar with a free kick, outstanding technique which looks like its tipped onto the bar by the keeper. Has another shot direct from Stewart hitting the bar which is saved well. Absolutely nobody in the world would have saved his penalty, great hit. His confidence radiates through the team when he’s playing well.

Grant Leadbitter: N/A

Didn’t play long enough to largely affect the game.

Aiden O’Brien: N/A

Great work which led to the third goal.

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Lee Johnson: 8/10

More enforced changes from the League One ‘Tinkerman’, his substitutions were well timed and caused a lot of problems. The late subs helped get us over the line. Breaks his losing streak!

Man of the Match

Ross Stewart. Very effective up top.