Wayne Rooney reacts to stunning Sunderland win
After Wayne Rooney’s first league win as Argyle Head Coach, the boss praised his players for their second-half reaction as they won a thrilling encounter with Sunderland 3-2.
The Greens went in 1-0 down at half-time after Patrick Roberts’ penalty, and in truth never got going for much of the half. Towards the end of the opening period there was signs of life, but after the break Argyle were reborn.
A Morgan Whittaker effort that got its final touch off defender Dan Ballard gave the Pilgrims an equaliser, with Ryan Hardie earning – and converting – a penalty to make it 2-1.
The lively Romaine Mundle made it 2-2 in the 87th minute, and it looked like Sunderland, who came into this game with a 100% record from their four games so far, would retrieve a point.
However, captain Joe Edwards scored in stoppage time to send the Green Army delirious and deliver a huge victory for his side.
“I thought in the first half we were okay,” said Rooney, with a telling downward stress on the word ‘okay’, “but the chances they created came from us giving the ball away. I think we tidied up on that.
“I challenged them at half-time to be a bit more aggressive in the final third, to put balls in the box, land on second balls and get shots off. They went out and did it in the second half. That's what you want as a coach, when you're asking them to do things a little bit more.
“They did go out and do it, so I'm really pleased they did.
“In the last 15 minutes of the first half, I think we got control of the game, and we just weren't hurting them enough. The second half started the same way, but with a little bit more tempo, and then we were putting crosses in, getting shots off and that's what the crowd want to see. Then you feel like then Sunderland being a young team, that can affect them.
“I thought in the second half we were outstanding; over the course of the game, I think we deserved to win.
“[Going into the game] we changed the shape slightly and had two number eights in there. We wanted them to make the box and get in there. The first goal comes from Callum [Wright] being on the edge of the box. He gets a shot off and then it’s a great finish from Morgan.
“[You get joy] from putting the ball in the box, testing their defenders and testing their goalkeeper with shots. I thought we did that well today.
“They get the second goal and you think it's one of those days, but thankfully we kept pushing and got the win in the end.”
Argyle’s three goals came from three players who have delivered for the Greens time and time again. Last season’s top goalscorer scored (maybe) his second of the season with an arrow-like strike which was pushed onto the bar then hit Ballard who was retreating. The goal came after Ibrahim Cissoko and Callum Wright had been involved in the build-up from the left.
Hardie, on as a substitute, did brilliantly to capitalise on a mistake by the luckless Ballard and was then brought down by the defender. Hardie then coolly dispatched the penalty.
Then came Edwards, a man playing arguably his best ever football for Argyle – and that is saying something – driving home after Kornel Szucs’ shot was shovelled out by goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
With his striker’s cap firmly on, Rooney said: “It's Morgan's goal, definitely!
“It's being in the right position. Ibs getting down the line, putting a good cross in, Callum getting on the end of it, getting a shot off, and that can happen when you get bodies in the box. You get ricochets, it falls to Morgan, and he catches it really well, great strike and it gets us back in the game.
“I stress to the players all the time that we've got a very good squad. We've got a big squad. We've left good players out, not even on the bench today, and there are a few players coming back from injuries as well.
“We've got a really healthy squad and we're going to need them all throughout the season. I know Ryan will be disappointed he doesn't start the game today, but I have to make decisions on what I feel is the best team to win the game and they all play a part as we've seen today with Ryan coming on and scoring.
“Joe's been fantastic. He's shown why he's the captain of the football club. I think his passion, his drive; he drives his teammates on as well, and keeps going. I couldn't be happier for him.
“The fans were excellent again today. I'm so pleased for them as well because I think they are seeing what we're trying to do, seeing how we're trying to play and evolve as a team.”
