Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds United: Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter on target as Daniel Farke’s side go second
Rutter #Rutter
Willy Gnonto’s early strike was his fifth goal in five appearances in all competitions for Leeds
Leeds United reclaimed second spot as Willy Gnonto’s delightful strike set them on their way to an assured and ruthless victory over Plymouth Argyle at a soggy Home Park.
Gnonto’s exquisite first touch and measured finish rewarded early dominance and Leeds could have been 2-0 ahead by the break, but Georginio Rutter’s deflected shot came back off the post.
Although Argyle improved dramatically after a one-sided first 30 minutes, playing with far great tempo and aggression, they rarely came close to levelling.
Unrelenting second-half pressure brought several promising moments, with Ben Waine a fraction away from sliding in Mikel Miller’s inviting cross.
But Leeds defended with great resilience in the atrocious conditions, keeping the hosts at arm’s length.
Rutter’s powerful low strike made it 2-0 with just under 20 minutes left, and the Whites had little difficulty in seeing out a seventh clean sheet in an eight-game winning run – the first time they have won eight league games in a row for more than 90 years.
A 21st league win in 32 games for Leeds, and a swift return to second spot ahead of Southampton, looked on the cards from the off, with the visitors oozing confidence in possession and creating space with ease.
Argyle could not cope with the pressing and pace and, having seized complete control a Leeds side unchanged from the midweek 4-0 thumping of Swansea City, soon went ahead.
Rutter hooked a hopeful high pass into space behind the defence and Italy international Gnonto’s fine first touch knocked the ball beyond Lewis Gibson, allowing him to tee himself up and shoot low into the bottom corner off the post.
A half-time talking-to by Plymouth boss Ian Foster, appointed as Steven Schumacher’s successor last month, produced a second-half performance from the home side full of energy and intent, but few chances.
Resilient Leeds show battling qualities
The impressive Miller so nearly laid on an equaliser for Waine in their best moment, the left wing-back’s inviting cross skidding just beyond the striker at the back post.
But as Argyle, beaten by Leeds in the FA Cup at Home Park after a replay last month, began to run out for steam and ideas, the Whites started to regain control.
Top scorer Crysencio Summerville miscued when well placed before Rutter ran on to Joel Piroe’s threaded pass to make sure of the three points with a fiercely struck left-foot strike that beat keeper Conor Hazard for pace.
Whites keeper Illan Meslier had to beat away a Morgan Whittaker free-kick late on while, at the other end, substitute Dan James almost added a third with a dipping effort.
However, Leeds did not need the security of more goals as they continued their scintillating form and made it three wins from four against Argyle this season – and in doing so inflicted a first home league defeat on their hosts since October.
Line-upsPlymouth
Formation 3-4-2-1
21Hazard
5Pleguezuelo26Phillips17Gibson
29Sorinola4Houghton20Randell14Miller
10Whittaker16Devine
23Waine
Substitutes
Leeds
Formation 4-2-3-1
1Meslier
22Gray14Rodon4Ampadu3Firpo
44Gruev8Kamara
29Gnonto24Rutter10Summerville
7Piroe
Substitutes
Referee:Matt Donohue
Attendance:16,818
Live Text
Match ends, Plymouth Argyle 0, Leeds United 2.
Second Half ends, Plymouth Argyle 0, Leeds United 2.
Substitution, Leeds United. Joe Gelhardt replaces Joël Piroe.
Substitution, Leeds United. Mateo Joseph replaces Georginio Rutter.
Daniel James (Leeds United) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box from a direct free kick.
Daniel James (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ashley Phillips (Plymouth Argyle).
Attempt saved. Morgan Whittaker (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from long range on the right is saved in the bottom right corner.
Joe Rodon (Leeds United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Joe Rodon (Leeds United).
Ryan Hardie (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Attempt missed. Connor Roberts (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match because of an injury Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United).
Substitution, Plymouth Argyle. Mustapha Bundu replaces Jordan Houghton.
Connor Roberts (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Alfie Devine (Plymouth Argyle).
Substitution, Leeds United. Connor Roberts replaces Crysencio Summerville.
Substitution, Plymouth Argyle. Lino Sousa replaces Mickel Miller.
Substitution, Plymouth Argyle. Bali Mumba replaces Matthew Sorinola.