Managerless Plymouth Argyle showed resilience following Wayne Rooney’s New Year’s Eve departure, battling back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Bristol City at Home Park.
Bristol City took the lead twice, with goals from Anis Mehmeti and Jason Knight, as they sought a third consecutive festive period win.
However, Rami Al Hajj equalized early in the second half, and defender Julio Pleguezuelo netted a dramatic stoppage-time goal to salvage a point for the Championship’s bottom club.
The first half was largely uneventful until the 32nd minute, when Max Bird’s incisive pass found Nahki Wells. Wells squared the ball to Mehmeti, who slotted home despite appearing to be offside.
The goal marked Mehmeti’s ninth of the season and his third in two festive games, following his brace in a 3-0 win over Portsmouth. It was also his third goal against Argyle this season, having scored twice in their 4-0 victory in November.
Argyle, struggling to find rhythm in the first half, came alive after the break. Hazard made a stunning save to deny Wells from George Tanner’s cross, keeping the deficit at one. Moments later, Morgan Whittaker’s deep cross found Al Hajj, who calmly finished to bring the hosts level.
City regained the lead through Jason Knight, who chipped goalkeeper Conor Hazard with precision after being played through by Scott Twine.
However, Argyle refused to give up. In stoppage time, Adam Randell’s inswinging free-kick caused confusion in City’s defense, and Pleguezuelo acrobatically hooked the ball into the net to secure the draw.
The result offers a glimmer of hope for Plymouth, now under the caretaker management of Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards.
Fans are eager for a swift managerial appointment, with speculation mounting over a possible return for former boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke 13 months ago.
Who’s next?
Plymouth, now within five points of safety, are on their travels on Saturday, when they play Stoke City at the Bet 365 Stadium – a first game in charge for new Potters boss Mark Robins.
Bristol City face the first of two home games in eight days – Derby County in the league, followed by Premier League side Wolves in the FA Cup.
‘Wayne Rooney’s a super human being’ – reaction
Plymouth Argyle joint interim boss Kevin Nancekivell told BBC Radio Devon:
“I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.
“People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.
“I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.
“I’m really proud of the players. They did everything we asked and a little bit more. We’ll take a point and we’ll move on. Plegue’s a warrior and a communicator. He deserved his goal and it’s got us a point, so that’s great.”
Bristol City boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol:
“Had that one gone in from Nahki Wells just after the break it would have been another story if we had gone 2-0 up.
“To then go 1-1 and respond well like we did was good.
“But you have to put games like this to bed. And we’ve given away soft goals.
“That’s a few times we’ve come away disappointed to drop points – and in a strange way that’s what excites me. You can really see the progress in this group of players.”