Southampton extended their unbeaten run to 17 games as they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 to close the gap on the Championship automatic promotion places.
The Saints had to endure an unnecessarily nervy final few minutes of the game, as Gavin Bazunu dithered on a back-pass before hitting the ball against Plymouth’s Ryan Hardie, ricocheting into the back of the net.
Southampton were completely dominant as Carlos Alcaraz and Che Adams fired their side into a 2-0 lead but Bazunu’s mistake will leave Russell Martin frustrated that his side failed to secure their fifth home clean sheet in a row.
Plymouth’s freak goal in the 91st minute was their only shot on target in the entire game, however they were unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside in a marginal decision that the officials look to have got wrong. To rub salt in Plymouth wounds, it was a matter of seconds after the disallowed goal that Alcaraz curled home from the edge of the box to give Southampton a 56th minute lead.
Southampton player ratings against Plymouth
Gavin Bazunu – 5
Bazunu had very little to do but was on hand to claim a couple of dangerous looking crosses. Martin asks his goalkeeper to be brave with the ball but he must learn from a big mistake.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 8
Walker-Peters has been outstanding this season and continued his fine form against Plymouth. A constant threat down the right with his dribbling and creativity from right-back. Ended the game further forward in the role he started in against Swansea City last time out.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 7
A very comfortable night was made slightly more difficult as the more physical Hardie came on at half-time. Hit the post with a first half header and played a delightful clipped ball through for Adams to double the lead.
Jan Bednarek – 7
Also comfortable alongside Harwood-Bellis and was as reliable as ever. Baited the press well at times and broke the lines with his passing. Played a clever through ball to Will Smallbone who headed narrowly wide.
Ryan Manning – 6
Decent in possession and linked up well with Sam Edozie and Alcaraz at times. Still looks a little suspect defensively but generally kept Plymouth’s biggest threat in Morgan Whittaker quiet.
Shea Charles – 7
Came in for the ill Flynn Downes and anchored the midfield well. Not quite as polished as Downes but at 20 is improving all the time. Did his defensive work well and broke up play when Plymouth looked to break. Couple of sloppy moments in possession but generally tidy in keeping the ball moving.
Will Smallbone – 5
Loose in possession at times and looks half a yard slower than anyone else in a Southampton shirt. Got into decent areas on a few occasions but final ball too often missing. Didn’t do enough to dislodge either Joe Aribo or Stuart Armstrong from their starting spots.
Carlos Alcaraz – 8
Showed glimpses of his quality in the first half with some neat touches and link play, as well as working hard defensively in a midfield role he has not played much recently. Threatened early in the second half with a great burst after receiving the ball on the half-turn and forcing a save from the Plymouth ‘keeper. Opened the scoring with a sublime curling finish from outside the box on 56 minutes which was the outstanding moment in the match.
Adam Armstrong – 7
Despite not scoring in six games, Armstrong showed how confident he is feeling this season by narrowly missing an audacious lob from just inside the Plymouth half with his weaker left foot in the opening minutes. Constantly involved, never stopped running and had a couple of decent efforts from half chances.
Sam Edozie – 7.5
Growing in confidence every week and enjoyed a real battle with Plymouth’s right wing-back. Looks confident cutting inside or running to the byline and provided the pass for Alcaraz’ goal. Worked hard to get back and make a fantastic block on Whittaker as Plymouth broke with numbers following a Southampton corner at the end of the first half earning grateful high fives from teammates.
Che Adams – 7
Looked sharp and made constant runs in behind which eventually paid off as he got on the end of a Harwood-Bellis through ball to get his goal. Snatched at a couple of really good chances before that and still not clinical enough but a performance he can build on. Cynical Saints fans may think the man with six league goals this season has an eye on a move when the January transfer window opens.
Substitutes:
Joe Aribo – 7
Stuart Armstrong – 6
Ryan Fraser – 6
Sékou Mara – 7