In a metaphorical way, Argyle won two games against Luton Town on Saturday.
Tom Cleverley’s side began the game the way they played in a 1-0 win at Peterborough United the previous weekend – on the front foot, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and creating chances with a high-tempo performance.
This was rewarded by a first-half injury-time goal from former Luton defender Brendan Galloway, which turned out to the only goal of the game.
During the second half, Luton came more into the game, and some injury issues took their toll on the Greens. Joe Ralls had to go off very early in the game, and his replacement Brendan Wiredu also succumbed to injury, fairly soon after the half-time interval.
This meant only one substitute window remained, which Cleverley used to bring on defender Kornel Szucs for a tiring Bim Pepple, but having to leave a clearly struggling Lorent Tolaj on the field. This meant going to a more defensive structure, and changing the complexion of the game, where Argyle backed themselves against the ropes, covered up, and sought to see the game out, which they did with great grit and determination.
The win means Argyle have won four games in a row, three of which have been in the league, and have come with clean sheets. It is the first time Argyle have won four games in a row since the conclusion of the title-winning 2022/23 season.
“The key is why we’re performing so consistently, and we don’t come away from that,” explained Cleverley, after the game, speaking to Argyle TV. “The players have been hungry and humble in their training, and I think that’s showing in the performances. Yes, we’re technically playing well, yes, we’re showing quality, but we’re winning duels, winning second balls, sustaining attacks, playing with high intensity. These are the things that ensure you always hit a certain level, which we’re at right now.
“I thought it was quite enjoyable to watch — aside from the fact that we won, obviously. They’re a good side, with excellent players, and they try to play through the lines with a really nice style. But I thought, for the first 60 minutes, if it was a boxing match, it could have been stopped.
“We had enough chances to be three or four up. If I’m being picky, the disappointment in the last two games is that they were 1–0. They should’ve been three or four, games out of sight.
“After 75 minutes, we’d had a lot of injuries and cramps, [Luton] came on strong, and they’re a quality side, so we had to sustain a bit of pressure. But if we hadn’t won that game, it would’ve been a huge disappointment.
“[Luton goalkeeper Josh] Keeley made some outstanding saves in the first half, and even if we hadn’t scored then, I had a sense of comfort that we’d have produced another consistent second-half performance and gone on to win. But we definitely deserved to go in one up — if not two or three.
“You’ll do anything for three points, but it looks like we’ve paid a price today. Rallsy [hurt his] hamstring; I’m glad he came off when he did and didn’t do any further damage. Hopefully that’s a small strain.
“Brendan [Wiredu] felt his calf — not a knock, more of a strain — and that’s a big blow for us. Two really important players, especially with where we’re already short at centre-back and central midfield. Tolly (Lorent Tolaj) had a dead leg. [I’m] less worried, but it looks fairly significant. So it’s time for the physios to go to work.
“Both our strikers were struggling, and with Owen [Oseni] out we didn’t have any on the bench, so it made no sense to play two strikers when they were both on their feet. We went to one [up front] and changed to a 5-4-1 to give more protection in the box. I thought [Alex] Mitchell and [Mathias] Ross defended the box excellently, and Conor was there when needed.
“We were aggressive and intense for 75 minutes and close to scoring from a high press or transition, but that’s hard to sustain for 90. When you can’t press the ball, the priority becomes protecting the box and the back line. I thought Kornel had a good impact, and we saw the game out fairly comfortably.”
