Middlesbrough (H) | Schumacher's Reaction

Everything about Saturday’s game between Argyle and Middlesbrough was extraordinary.

Not least, the weather, the tempestuousness of which seemed to reflect the increasing tumult on the pitch. The game was compelling from the off, and while the biblical rain evoked conditions akin to ordering animals to board two-by-two, the goals came three-by-three.

Middlesbrough opened the scoring through Josh Coburn on 23 minutes, but Argyle responded, going in at half-time 2-1 up via superb goals by Bali Mumba and Finn Azaz.

After the break, Boro came out strongly, with Coburn scoring a rebound from his penalty that was saved by Michael Cooper, before Sam Greenwood made it 3-2 to the visitors. However, there was yet another twist in the game, as Morgan Whittaker’s free-kick evaded everyone and found its way into the net.

“It was a brilliant game of football,” said Schumacher. “Both teams played well. I thought we probably edged the first half. We were excellent. Some of our attacking play was outstanding.

“Although we went behind, it didn't seem to affect us. We just kept going, and we scored two amazing goals - really good, well-worked goals - and found ourselves ahead at half-time.

“The goals were outstanding. The move for Finn Azaz’s goal was a team goal as well. I don't know how many passes there were before it, but it was a brilliant flowing move and he finds himself in a bit of space and shows what he's about. Some of our attacking football was outstanding. Even in the first few minutes, we cut Middlesbrough open with a brilliant move and Bali should score.

“I’m pleased for him to score, though. I know he missed a big chance, but it was a great goal, his actual finish.

“[Whittaker’s free-kick] – it’s the perfect place to put it. That's what you are trying to aim for, inside the back post at that nice, flat trajectory. That's the quality that Morgan's got. I’m so pleased for him. He gets his goal tally rolling again.

“I’m pleased with all of the lads’ performances. We knew with the quality that Middlesbrough have got, they were going to come back at us, and they did.

“In the second half, it took us 15 minutes to get a spell of possession of the ball. We couldn't really get it off them. They showed their quality and got themselves in front but, once again, our lads responded and came back.

“It was a great game of football for everyone to watch and a good point.”

With the game at 2-2 and Middlesbrough on top, Schumacher looked to his bench and was looking to bring on Julio Pleguezuelo and Adam Randell, who were stripped and poised to come on. Before they could, though, Greenwood scored to put the visitors in front.

Schumacher still made the changes, withdrawing Mumba and Ben Waine, and moving to a 3-4-3 system, from the 4-3-3 that the Greens began with. It paid dividends, with the equalising goal coming after Argyle played their way back into the game, for a second time.

It was a game Argyle had gone behind in twice, but showed resolve to come away with a point.

“We changed our shape,” said Schumacher. “I had to do something different tactically, and we got something from the game.

“[Middlesbrough’s] two midfield players were just getting a little bit too much time on the ball. [Hayden] Hockney is outstanding, what a good player he is, and Jonny Howson's played in the Premier League. They were just controlling the game and dictating it; we couldn't get our press right, so we were trying to change and they quickly went 3-2 up before we could get the subs.

“Once we did change, it settled down again. We got on top of it and got a goal back, which was brilliant. Then, we pushed all the way to the end. Jordan [Houghton] hit a great shot, and [Seny]Dieng made a good save. We put them under pressure – but then we needed Michael to make a save in the last minute. If that would have gone in, I'd have been broken hearted. But it didn't, so we take a point, and we get on to the next one.

“The character of our team should never be in doubt, because the lads give us absolutely everything that they've got. They are working so hard for each other. Occasionally - more than occasionally - they show the quality that they've got.

“Sometimes, as well, we'll make mistakes. That's the level that we're playing at. But if we keep believing in ourselves, keep believing in what we're trying to do, keep showing that energy and spirit, then we’ll get results from games. Today was a really tough game against a really good team, so we’re pleased to get something from it.”