Plymouth Argyle 2, Bristol City 2: Full-Time Championship Match Summary
The visitors initially took control with goals from Anis Mehmeti and Jason Knight, seemingly set for a third consecutive festive victory after claiming only two points from their previous twelve. Yet, the shell-shocked hosts leveraged tenacity to twice level the score, with Rami Al Hajj and defender Julio Pleguezuelo finding the net in a dramatic encounter.
The match began in an unusually subdued fashion, reflecting the turmoil following Rooney’s exit. But Bristol City ignited the proceedings with a stunning strike in the 32nd minute, courtesy of a brilliant pass from Max Bird. Nahki Wells latched onto the ball, eluding the outstretched grasp of Conor Hazard, before setting up the lurking Mehmeti, who sidefooted in from 15 yards—a strike marking his ninth of the season.
This season has been particularly fruitful for the London-born Albanian, who had already netted twice against Plymouth in their previous encounter, exemplifying his growing predatory instincts.
The home side, initially appearing disoriented, recalibrated swiftly after halftime, leveling the match within five minutes.
Bristol City appeared poised to double their lead shortly after the break, with Wells remarkably denied by a superb diving save from Hazard, his shot destined for the back of the net. Instead, the narrative took a swift turn as Argyle’s Whittaker darted to the byline, delivering a pinpoint cross that found Al Hajj in the box, who finished smartly to equalize.
City regained the upper hand thanks to Knight’s deft chip over the advancing Hazard, displaying his composed finishing skills as he guided the ball home seamlessly.
Yet, the Claxton-like drama escalated in stoppage time when a defensive mix-up from City allowed Pleguezuelo to execute an audacious overhead kick that found the back of the net, sending the Home Park crowd into raptures.
