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Plymouth achieved a thrilling 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Home Park, but their manager Wayne Rooney was sent off during the match.
The former England striker was outraged by Blackburn’s equalizer, which came just four minutes before full-time, and confronted the fourth official after Joe Rankin-Costello scored with a header.
Rooney believed a foul occurred in the lead-up to the goal and was subsequently sent to the stands by referee James Linington following a heated exchange. However, his spirits lifted when Morgan Whittaker scored an astonishing winner for Argyle in the seventh and final minute of stoppage time.
Earlier in the match, Plymouth took the lead in the 15th minute against the run of play, courtesy of on-loan Burnley striker Michael Obafemi.
Argyle had a scare in the first minute when defender Lewis Gibson had to clear a ball off the goal-line after Rovers striker Makhtar Gueye had beaten goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw with a well-placed angled shot.
The Plymouth keeper then effectively dealt with the Rovers’ subsequent attack in the 13th minute, blocking a shot from Andreas Weimann with his feet.
The home side took the lead in the 15th minute, with Whittaker playing a pivotal role in the goal. He delivered a brilliant 60-yard pass that set Ibrahim Cissoko on a sprint down the wing. The Netherlands Under-21 international then cut inside and assisted Obafemi, who turned and scored from 10 yards out.
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Just a minute after Argyle took the lead, Cissoko moved in from the left and unleashed a shot that seemed destined to slip under the bar, only for Aynsley Pears to fingertip it over at full stretch.
Obafemi nearly added to his tally in the 34th minute, seizing on a bouncing pass from defense. He outpaced defenders Danny Batth and Hayden Carter before his shot veered a few inches wide of both Pears and the post.
Following suit, Darko Gyabi came tantalizingly close in the 39th minute after a signature run from midfield. With defenders retreating, Gyabi let loose a shot from 20 yards that whistled just wide.
Cissoko shot high and wide after receiving a clever back-heeled pass from Rami Al Hajj in the opening minute of the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Hedges forced a diving save from Grimshaw with a low drive from 20 yards while on the run.
Pears delivered a remarkable save to deny Joe Edwards’ first-time shot in the 53rd minute, palming the ball over the bar following a beautifully executed flowing move by Argyle down the left side.
The Rovers goalkeeper showcased his skills again shortly after, making a double save. He first thwarted Adam Randell’s shot before using his feet to prevent El Hajj from scoring on the rebound.
Continuing his stellar performance, Pears once again stopped Cissoko, as Argyle searched to double their advantage. Whittaker then sent a shot just over the bar in the 65th minute after being set up by substitute Ryan Hardie.
Hardie later assisted fellow substitute Mustapha Bundu, whose shot was expertly deflected around the post by Pears after 72 minutes.
Rankin-Costello found the net in the 86th minute, connecting with Dominic Hyam’s cross, leading to Rooney being dismissed from the dugout.
Grimshaw made yet another fantastic stop with his feet in the 89th minute, denying substitute Yuki Ohashi as he made his way towards the goal. Just as the match seemed set for a draw, Whittaker clinched it for the Pilgrims.
The forward nodded in Randell’s header back into the box from Gibson’s deep cross as Argyle intensified their pressure in the seventh and final minute of stoppage time.
The managers
Plymouth assistant head coach Pete Shuttleworth:
“Wayne remains passionate. His enthusiasm is evident. We felt let down that a foul wasn’t called against Ryan Hardie leading up to the goal.
“Achieving victories against three strong teams—Sunderland who topped the league,
Conceding in the manner that we did is quite disappointing and something we need to improve on.
“In the first half, we regained possession in the opponent’s half, but our performance in the final third wasn’t satisfactory, and our decision-making fell short. We were aware that we had strong substitutes, and the game opened up after they came on.
“It’s truly disappointing; we managed to equalize and it seemed like we were poised to take the lead. Not seeing the game through is frustrating.
“We had a strategy in place, but we didn’t maintain possession effectively enough.”
Wayne Rooney Sent Off as Plymouth Argyle Snatch Last-Minute Victory Over Blackburn
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle achieved a dramatic last-minute victory over Blackburn Rovers, a match that will be remembered not only for the outcome but also for the controversial sending off of Wayne Rooney. The match, held on October 5, 2024, showcased the intensity of the Championship and the unpredictable nature of football.
Key Moments of the Match
- First Half Highlights:
- Plymouth Argyle took an early lead with a stunning goal from their star striker.
- Blackburn equalized with a well-placed header from a corner kick.
- Both teams displayed strong attacking play, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
- Second Half Drama:
- Rooney’s pivotal role in the midfield was evident, as he orchestrated several key plays.
- The turning point came when Rooney received a second yellow card for a controversial foul, leading to his dismissal.
- Despite being down to ten men, Plymouth fought valiantly and managed to push forward for a late winner.
- Last-Minute Victory:
- In the dying moments of the match, Plymouth’s persistence paid off with a spectacular goal.
- The home crowd erupted in celebration, securing a crucial three points in the Championship.
Wayne Rooney’s Sending Off
Wayne Rooney’s sending off became the focal point of post-match discussions. After receiving his first yellow card in the first half, he was shown a second yellow for a challenge deemed reckless by the referee. This decision sparked outrage among some fans and commentators, who argued that the foul did not warrant a booking.
Rooney, who had been instrumental for Plymouth throughout the match, expressed his frustration post-game, indicating that he felt unfairly treated. His absence was undoubtedly felt on the pitch, but Plymouth’s resilience shone through in his absence.
Player Performances
Plymouth Argyle
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | GK | 8.0 | Made crucial saves to keep the team in the game. |
| Striker | FW | 9.0 | Scored the opening goal and assisted the winner. |
| Wayne Rooney | MF | 7.5 | Instrumental in midfield play until dismissal. |
Blackburn Rovers
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | GK | 7.0 | Made several important saves to keep Blackburn in contention. |
| Defender | DF | 7.5 | Strong performance in defense, limited Plymouth’s chances. |
| Forward | FW | 8.0 | Scored the equalizer and caused trouble for the Argyle defense. |
Implications of the Match
The victory for Plymouth Argyle not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position in the Championship standings. With this win, they are poised to challenge for a playoff spot, demonstrating their resilience and depth as a team.
For Blackburn Rovers, the loss is a setback as they aim to climb the league table. The team will need to regroup and address the defensive lapses that led to their defeat, especially in tight matches like this one.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media erupted with reactions following the match, particularly concerning Rooney’s sending off. Fans took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their views, with some supporting the referee’s decision while others labeled it as harsh. Wayne Rooney himself shared a post-match message on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of the team’s spirit and the need to move forward from this incident [[1](https://www.instagram.com/waynerooney/?hl=en)].
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
Plymouth Argyle
- Next Match: Against Sheffield United on October 14, 2024
- Key Player to Watch: The striker who scored the winner against Blackburn, as he aims to continue his scoring streak.
Blackburn Rovers
- Next Match: Against Millwall on October 14, 2024
- Key Player to Watch: The forward who netted their goal against Plymouth, as he looks to regain form.
Conclusion
As the Championship season progresses, both teams will look to learn from this match. Plymouth Argyle will seek to build on their winning momentum, while Blackburn Rovers will aim to bounce back quickly from this disappointment. The football world will certainly be watching closely as these teams navigate the challenges ahead.
