Muslic lauds substitutes in Sheffield United win

Another whirlwind afternoon at Home Park saw Miron Muslic’s Argyle turn around a 1-0 deficit against promotion-chasing Sheffield United, coming back to beat the Blades 2-1.

Ryan Hardie equalised as the game entered its final ten minutes, before Muhamed Tijani drove home a winner to sent the Green Army into delirium and, more importantly, to give them hope.

Argyle are still bottom of the league, still need to keep winning, and still need other teams to slip. But it was three huge points, showing character to not only come back in the game itself, but to bounce back after a dismal 3-0 loss at Swansea City on Wednesday. 

With the Greens a goal down at half-time, Muslic brought on captain Joe Edwards, who raced onto the field, geeing up the supporters as he did so.

Tijani was introduced near the hour mark, and set about making life difficult for the Blades’ defence, who never got to grips with the tall Nigerian forward.

“I think we played a good first half,” said Muslic. “We were structured and organised, switching between our 5-3-2 into a 4-4-2, not allowing anything to Sheffield United, and keeping them out of the danger zone.

“Then, you go 1-0 down in minute 43 due to an individual action, a finish inside the top corner that’s hard to defend. But we had belief in the locker room that we could change this, because we were good in the game. We knew if we could get the equaliser, we could get Home Park behind us, and it is possible. Actually, we did it.

“We had a good structure, a good setup, a good plan and also good substitutions, fantastic game-changers. It was completely clear that we had to start strong, and also finish strong.

“I think Joe especially helped us massively. His first action, without even touching the ball, was to lift Home Park. That was very much needed, and his performance on the pitch was brilliant.

“I struggled yesterday [picking the team], because had I some doubts. I knew that if we start with Joe, he can’t finish, but a strong finish will be very much needed. Joe was very frustrated, believe me, but I think the decision was right from us. 

“The game-changers did their job brilliantly. They helped us to come back into the game, and in the end a goal from a substitute, Muhamed Tijani, helped us win the game. 

“I am very happy for him. He has struggled; if you are out for months with injury, and you can’t help the team, it is very tough. His profile was very much needed. He’s six-foot-seven, it’s hard to defend. 

“We are [still fighting]. We still believe. It is up to us to not mess around with the next one. We’ve been in those situations where we have strong performances, and then we fade.”