Pilgrim's Progress

FA Cup Semi-Finalists!

Argyle navigated the tricky FA Cup tie against Arsenal at the Emirates, emerging as 3-2 winners, courtesy of three breakaway goals.  Luis Chavez opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute to send shockwaves through the Emirates, after which Arsenal failed to really recover, despite overwhelming possession and pressure on the Plymouth goal.  Chants of “Arg…yle” rang round the ground, as the Pilgrims recorded a signature win that sees them face Championship rivals Leicester City in the semi at Wembley.

Elsewhere, there was a mixed set of results in the league that saw Leicester open a gap at the top of the Championship, and Norwich City make up ground on Plymouth in second place.  The lead over Norwich looks comfortable still, but Argyle are dropping more points and a late charge from the Canaries might still derail the Pilgrims’ promotion bid.  The month opened with a draw against Stoke, two points being dropped courtesy of a late equaliser from Callum Wright, who moved to Stoke in the January window – ouch!

Injuries to two of Argyle’s promising youngsters rounded off a mixed month, with Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore picking up injuries in consecutive games; Mainoo (broken elbow) sidelined for two months at Milwall and Gore (broken toe; 3 months) in the Watford game.  Both will play no further part in the campaign.

Mainoo Injured at Millwall

No real change at the top of the scoring and assists charts, with Samson Tovide continuing to impress, now on 17 goals from 19 Championship matches.  The step up from League 2 really doesn't seem a problem for him.

Great job beating Arsenal to get into the semi final. Two championship sides there, that's something! Battling Leicester for the league win, and now for an FA Cup final too. Maybe a new rivalry forming there?

Speaking of stories in the story, I like the Stoke goal against you being scored by a former player. Maybe a few fans will also start to question the 'Mexican approach' forcing homegrown players out of the club. Especially if these players move on to do well in their new clubs, for instance by scoring against you, trying to prove the gaffer wrong. Obviously it takes more than that to threaten a manager on the verge of promotion, but it could be questioned more, if results go down or more HG players leave...

FA Cup Final Awaits!

Plymouth Argyle will contest the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, after cementing their place with a 4-2 victory over Leicester City.  It was a tense match throughout, with the veteran Jamie Vardy pulling Leicester back to level terms after an opening blitz by Argyle.  The Pilgrims sneaked ahead with a goal from captain Cesar Huerta and Samson Tovide added a further goal in stoppage time, to lend the result a deal of comfort that simply was not the case throughout the match.  They will face Manchester City in the final; a club looking to win it for the second season in succession.

In the league, it was a fraught month as they lost to Norwich 3-2 at Carrow Road, as the Canaries looked to steal the second automatic promotion slot.  That win took Norwich to within 5 points of Argyle, only for them to lose their next match whilst Argyle won.  A  defeat to Hull City at the end of the month could have been a problem, but Norwich only drew against Preston to leave them six points behind with two to play.  Leicester City clinched promotion in Championship round 42 and Plymouth will join them unless they lose both remaining matches, Norwich win both and there is a massive turnaround in goal difference.

Samson Tovide continues to fire Plymouth to the top tier, another five goals this month, including four in the league that moves him to second place in the Championship scoring chart.  He has now averaged a goal a game in his 21 matrches in the Championship this season; a scoring rate fer better than any other in that division.

Luis Chavez leads Plymouth's Championship assist table, with 10 from his 19 matches - an impressive rate of around an assist for every two matches.  Leicester's Mavididi leads the assists table as well as the scoring chart, but from a position of having played every game.  He is clearly going to be one to watch in the Premier League next season.

Looks like you've found a gem with this Tovide fellow. I didn't have the high hopes, when you brought in a teenager with no more than 61 OVR or something like that, also not even showing that high a potential either. But it really looks like he's coming through for you, with 21 goals in only 21 games. Haha, a @CO88LER5 classic, him only playing half the games of his competition. He should have a rather high stamina rating though. I wonder if he could actually play more regularly without fatigue issues?

Anyway; Man City in the FA Cup final. That could be a hard one.

@JustinCase0110
I'm as surprised as you with Tovide. I bought him as an emergency cover when Buonanotte got injured soon after signing, so he was only ever going to be a backup. He's been incredible, which makes a bit of a mockery of the settings in the game, but I'm not complaining.
He's a typical old-fashioned lumbering centre-forward in many ways - what you'd normally see in the lower leagues. He's quite easy to get the ball off, as he's quite short on ratings for such things, but when he's in the box and receives the ball, he's utterly deadly. His OVR has already climbed to 67; most matches he plays, he's the highest rated player on my side, which I suppose is helping.
I think he can play more regularly, but it could be an even higher division next season, which would be more challenging for his level of player.
I guess it's a bit like Noah Chilvers, who I got from Colchester in my Blackpool career last season. He was incredible, too. Very strange, really

Plymouth Hit the Big Time

Premier League, here we come!  For the first time in the club’s history, Argyle will play in the top division next season.  In front of a fanatical home crowd, the 3-2 victory over Coventry City sealed promotion with a game to spare.  It wasn’t without drama, though, as a trigger-happy ref sent off two Plymouth players in the first half hour, including captain for the day Macauley Gillesphey after only 12 minutes for what seemed like a fairly innocuous challenge.  The Pilgrims gritted their teeth and still managed the win, when a point would have done.

In the final game against Middlesbrough, Erick Sanchez signed off Argyle’s last Championship match with a fine hat-trick, including his third free kick goal of the season.  He has become the default taker of such dead-ball opportunities and is proving remarkably accurate.

So, Argyle finish second and therefore have automatic promotion to the top flight.  They and Leicester City will be joined in the Premier League by Watford next season, as the Hornets won the play-off final against Leeds United, having despatched third-placed Norwich City in the semis.  Norwich finished an incredible 22 points ahead of Watford, and probably feel quite aggrieved at what happened in their semi.

FA Cup Final

Argyle were well beaten in the FA Cup Final by the all-conquering Manchester City.  Despite the imminent Champions’ League final (which they later lost to Barcelona), the serial title winners sent out their best side for this tie, no doubt noting how Argyle had accounted for Arsenal in the quarter-finals.  An Erling Haaland strike on 19 minutes made life even more difficult for Argyle, and the own goal by goalkeeper Baker made an unlikely Pilgrims victory all but impossible.  A switch to 4-5-1 at half time did lead to more chances (one glorious opportunity on 85 minutes fell to substitute Samson Tovide, but Ederson saved well) and a more comfortable second half for the Pilgrims, but a famous victory was not to be.

Owner Simon Hallett can be well satisfied with his appointment of Bobby Stones at the start of this season.  He has totally changed the playing style, brought in some good players using his Americas connections, and powered Argyle to history.  Many of the players, however, are not Premier League standard and it will be interesting to see just what happens in the summer.  It could be a very active revolving door at the club.  Argyle won a staggering £104 million as a “promotion reward” and it will be interesting to see how much of that is made available to strengthen the squad.

Busy Summer for the Pilgrims

Plymouth Argyle are preparing for life in the Premier League with a large turnover of players this summer.  9 of last season’s squad have departed for a total of around £13 million, as manager Bobby Stones upgrades his squad to face the tougher opposition Argyle will meet in the top division.

Meanwhile, 9 players have arrived so far, with more expected, for a total of £27 million, including three free players, as Stones sets about eating into the rumoured £70 million (including wages) budget.

In addition, we know of five players from the academy that have been promoted, indicating that Stones’ attempts last season to acquire prospects for the academy is starting to bear fruit.  It is rumoured that he has effectively emptied the academy of the brightest prospects and that the race is now on to find more for the coming season.

This activity takes the squad up to 36 in total, although there are expected to be further departures, and possibly arrivals, in August.

Branthwaite is one I thorougly enjoyed having in my squad last year, when I played with Sunderland. Good signing. At 22 he almost looks old compared to all the teenagers, who come after, haha... I've heard of Hato, and Koleosho is one who impressed me, when Burnley played Man United earlier in the season. The rest don't ring a bell to me.

More Transfer Activity in August

Argyle rounded off the summer transfer window in August with two departures and two arrivals.

The Pilgrims purchased centre-back Gianluca Bellini (18) from Union Berlin for £6 million and added left winger Daniel Ashton (16) from Manchester United for £1 million.  Both are considered real prospects, with Ashton potentially being loaned out later in the season if the opportunity presents itself.

Meanwhile, midfielder Morgan Whittaker (24) joined Championship side West Brom for £2.5 million and striker Ryan Hardie (27) completed a move to Heidenheim for £2.2 million.  Hardie was second in the scoring charts last season but manager Stones clearly did not expect him to develop enough to make a big enough impact in the Premier League.  “Ryan did very well for us last season but I couldn’t guarantee him the amount of game time he was expecting.  The offer from Heidenheim suited both him from a playing perspective and us financially, so we send him on his way with warm appreciation for his efforts last season.”

After an encouraging pre-season, as Plymouth won their tournament with two wins and a draw against European sides such as Freiburg, Almeria and Sassuolo, the manager seems pretty satisfied with his new squad.  “It’s come together really well.  The late arrivals will need more bedding in, but I’m really pleased with the new recruits and how they have fitted into our playing style.”  Asked about the relative youth, he seemed unconcerned “these players are all good potential and they have demonstrated already that they can play at the level we need.  Let’s wait and see.  We do have some money unspent for January, if we think we need more experience.”

Good Start to Life in the Premier League

Argyle made a respectable start to life in the Premier League, with a hard-fought draw at home to Brighton, followed by an away win at Bournemouth.  Young striker Lorenzo Battaglia created history with Plymouth’s first-ever goal in the top flight against Brighton; something that will stay forever in the history books.

Battaglia Celebrates with the Crowd

Ryan Hardie signed off life as a Plymouth player with the opener against Bournemouth before his move to Heidenheim, and Roberto Alvarado sealed Plymouth’s first ever win in the top division, as Plymouth established a half-hour lead that they never relinquished.

The league table does not mean much at this point, but Plymouth sit third behind Aston Villa and Fulham at the end of August.

Argyle advanced in the Carabao Cup courtesy of a 4-0 comfortable win at Home Park against Fleetwood Town, Samson Tovide continuing where he left off last season with a brace.

Mumba Contract Impasse

Bali Mumba could be the next player to depart Plymouth, after news emerged of a contract impasse.  The agent for the player, a full back at the club, is said to have demanded an increase to around £65,000 per week, a sum manager Bobby Stones dismissed as “pure fantasy”.  As a result, contract discussions for the player (23), who has two years left on his current contract have broken down with no meeting date set for more discussions.  Mumba’s current contract is said to be worth around £4,000 per week.

Mumba’s agent was in combative mood.  “£65k per week is the standard in the Premier League and I am determined to get what Bali deserves.

“The club is just being tight-fisted.  We know that some players have had substantial increases already, so we are not asking for the world.”

Mumba featured in 35 games last season, mainly as a substitute.

Stones would not be drawn on the issue, other than to say “This is pure fantasy.  We won’t discuss other players’ contracts, as they are confidential between the parties concerned, but £65k per week for a substiutute is simply ridiculous.”

He declined to confirm or deny whether the player has now been put on the transfer list.

Argyle Stuns the Premier League

The Pilgrims have made a flying start to life in the Premier League, topping the table at the end of September, winning all four matches during the month.

After a good win against bottom side and fellow promotees Watford, Argyle stunned Arsenal with a 2-0 win at the Emirates, making it two wins from two matches against the Gunners in the last 12 months.  Argyle beat them 3-2 in the Carabao Cup quarter final last season.  Young Argentine winger Valentin Galeano cut in from the wing and scored the opener after only 9 minutes, after which the Pilgrims launched a rearguard action until the 90th minute, when Lucien Devereaux scored from a breakaway.

Galeano Scores against Arsenal

Argyle topped that after the international break, with a mature performance against Liverpool at Home Park that left Jurgen Klopp totally lost for words.  Again, Argyle had played Liverpool last season – twice – in the Carabao Cup and narrowly lost both.  This time, despite Liverpool enjoying most of the possession, the Argyle defence restricted the big team to only 5 shots, underlining manager Bobby Stones’ philosophy of “possession with a purpose”, as Argyle managed 12 shots.  “The [5-1] scoreline really flattered us, but we took our chances, and that was the real difference”, said manager Stones.  The final goal was a breakaway from a Liverpool corner, which Kobbie Mainoo converted after losing the Liverpool defence.

Mainoo walks the ball into the net/Liverpool game stats

“They mugged us”, Jurgen Kopp said.  “That was completely unexpected.  Their defence was brilliant, not letting us get near their goal and they took their chances brilliantly.  I think the league is going to have to reconsider this team.  We certainly won’t get caught out again – I hope – but well played to them.”

It's getting a bit too easy for you, isn't it? Beating both Arsenal and Liverpool, the latter with 5-1... I assume you're playing on ultimate, but have you also tried to tweak the sliders to make it a bit tougher for you?

Mumba to Depart in January

Bali Mumba has secured a move to FC Porto in January, Plymouth agreeing a £6.5 million fee for the contract rebel.

It is not known what wages Mumba will receive in Portugal, compared to the demand for £65,000 per week his agent was demanding from the Home Park club.

“It’s disappointing in some ways that Bali is leaving, but it’s his decision in the end and we don’t want players here who will not fit the system and culture of the club.” Said Manager Bobby Stones.  “We hope he enjoys his time in Portugal.”

Tykes Dislike Pilgrims

Newcastle United are already sick of the sight of Plymouth Argyle, having lost twice to them in October.

The Pilgrims knocked the Tykes out of the Carabao Cup with an unanswered double from Freddie Issaka, the young academy graduate scoring twice before half-time.

Then the Pilgrims returned two weeks later to snatch three points, courtesy of a 4-1 scoreline that included a fine overhead kick from Luis Chavez in the 9th minute.  Chavez executed a perfect shot from an incoming corner to set the Pilgrims on their way.  The downside of the victory was a bad toe injury for key striker Lorenzo Battaglia which will keep him out for at least 3 months.

Chavez overhead kick

In between those matches, Argyle notched a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester City, with the only goal coming in the second half from Lucien Devaux.  The rest of the match was a rearguard action, as City dominated possession as they normally do.

The departing Bali Mumba made headlines in the match against Luton Town with a goal from the half-way line.  Losing 1-0 at the time, and with the match coming to an end, the Luton goalkeeper Tim Krul came up for a corner in the 92nd minute, which the Pilgrims cleared to Mumba on the right.  As he stepped over the half-way line, he shot into the open goal, with Krul nowhere in sight.

The sequence of results keep Plymouth on top of the Premier League, having opened a gap to Fulham in second place.  It is noticeable that the 'Big six' are largely absent from the top four of the league so far this season, as indifferent results all around are allowing teams like Argyle to take the limelight. for a change.  How long this continues is an interesting question.

Although Plymouth top scorer Lorenzo Battaglia shares second place in the scoring charts, with six goals from as many matches, he will drop away with his 3-months absence through injury.

Unfortunate injury for your in-form striker there. But perhaps a welcome opportunity for others to fill the gap and take the spotlight. Looks like a goal of the year contender, that overhead kick. Brilliant.

Pilgrims Vs West London

Plymouth continue to lead the Premier League at the end of November, holding off the twin West London challenge of Fulham and Chelsea.  The month started with an end-to-end game against Aston Villa, with the West Midland side eventually taking the three points, as Plymouth’s normally tight defence crumbled for some reason.

After a close win over Championship Milwall in the Carabao Cup, and a similarly difficult match against Nottingham Forest, Argyle suffered a second consecutive home defeat, this time conceding 4 to Chelsea.  A good win against Spurs rounded off the month.  The Spurs win was notable for the manager making two formation changes during the match, in an attempt to recover from Son's opening penalty, as Spurs threatened to overrun the side in the first 40 minutes or so.  He eventually got it right in the second half.

The two West London sides are in hot pursuit of the Pilgrims, on 27 points apiece; 4 behind Argyle.  Manchester United and Arsenal are beginning to close on Aston Villa in 4th place.

Lucien Devaux surged to the top of Plymouth’s overall scoring charts, his four goals in all matches taking him past the injured Lorenzo Battaglia.   Devaux has stepped admirably into the void left by Battaglia's injury lay-off.  He is forming a very good partnership alongside Freddie Issaka (see below).

It also moved him to 9th in the Premier League Golden Boot race.  Fellow striker Freddie Issaka shares top billing with Kelechi Iheanacho for the top assists spot.  Issaka is becoming quite the goalmaker, first alongside Battaglia and now Devaux.  With 4 goals as well, he is currently Plymouth's top goal threat. 

In terms of squad development, Plymouth recruited two high potential players into the academy this month, in Victor Alves from Portugal and Hugo Rodrigues from Brazil.  We can’t wait to see them ultimately graduate to the first team.

Unfortunate to lose that Villa game. 90+4, never fun to concede so late in a game. Strange to see Fulham up there. Plymouth and Fulham as number 1 and 2 in the Premier League, that's unexpected. Liverpool and Man City absent in the top 8, that's surprising too. Devaux fellow picking up where Battaglia left, it seems, before picking up his injury. 4 goals in the last 3, not bad.

Another Striker Out

Argyle’s luck with injuries took another turn for the worse, as striker Samson Tovide will be out for 4 months with a torn ligament.  Tovide suffered the injury whilst scoring the only goal in the match against Brentford, whilst executing a scissor kick from a cross on the right. 

Samson joins striker Lorenzo Battaglia and centre back Jorrel Hato in the treatment room.  With this latest injury, Argyle are left short up front.  It is rumoured that Argyle might dip into the transfer market to reinforce the front line in the upcoming window.

The Pilgrims have taken the unusual step of promoting a newly-arrived academy player – Brazilian Hugo Rodrigues – into the first team, to add options in the striking department. 

Rodrigues joined only a few weeks ago and is considered a bright prospect but will need to be carefully managed.  Nevertheless, he came on as a substitute in the three matches following his promotion and scored in each; a fabulous introduction to the club’s fans.

Rodrigues scores on his debut

On the Premier League front, it was a mixed month for Plymouth, with four wins and two defeats, including a good win at Manchester United.  In the process, they streteched their lead at the top back to six points, as Fulham and Chelsea stalled.  Ominously for the Pilgrims, most of the ‘big six’ have now entered the top eight, with Arsenal leading the chase in second, having jumped from sixth place with a good sequence of results.  Argyle can count on a very hot second half of the season.

Argyle lost to bogey side Aston Villa, 2-1, in the quater-finals of the Carabao Cup, exiting at one stage short of last year's achievement.

Lucien Devaux recovered from a mini-slump at the start of the month, with the consolation goal against Villa as Argyle departed the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage, and a brace in the win against Everton.  He currently sits 9th in the golden boot chase.

Freddie Issaka remains joint top of the assists chart.

Three consecutive defeats across competitions, not quite what we're used to see from the Pilgrims. Unfortunate with a long injury to another one of your strikers. I've been pretty lucky in that regard in my current save. Haven't really had these injury concerns lately. But it seems the young Brazilian is doing his best to cover the gap. Almost Ronaldo Fenomeno numbers that. Potential to be Special, he's designed for greatness that one. Interesting to see if he can keep up the pace.