Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley has labelled Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Leicester City a huge missed opportunity for his side. The loss leaves Argyle 16th in League One with four points from four games, having scored four goals and conceded six so far this season.
What happened at the King Power Stadium?
Plymouth created 13 chances against a Leicester side fresh from Premier League relegation but failed to convert any of them. The Foxes scored twice in first-half stoppage time through Will Alves and Harry Howell to secure their first win of the campaign under manager Russell Martin. Argyle managed just 33% possession at the King Power Stadium, a figure Cleverley said was expected as part of their gameplan. The BBC reported his frustration after the match, with the coach pointing to a specific period where his team lost their way.
Why does Cleverley think it was a missed chance?
"That was a really sore one because I think it's a huge opportunity missed," Cleverley said. He explained that Plymouth's strategy involved a structured press designed to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly. While the press worked to create those 13 opportunities, the transition phase let them down. Cleverley noted that limited time on the training pitch has hampered their ability to refine this part of their game. He also observed that his players lost confidence, personality, and courage during a significant portion of the match's middle section.
How does this fit into Plymouth's season so far?
The defeat follows a similar pattern from a tough away game at Wycombe Wanderers. Cleverley referenced both matches, stating, "We have lost our way a little bit in both games and so we need to get back to what we are and having no fear about what we are." The team's recent form stands at LWDL, and they currently sit six points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town. Fans can follow the latest Pilgrims content, including pre-match and post-match analysis, on BBC Sounds.
What's next for Plymouth Argyle?
Attention now turns to an immediate chance to respond. Plymouth travel to face Doncaster Rovers this Saturday, September 5th. Doncaster are currently 20th in the table, making it a key fixture for Argyle to stop their slide. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page and check the latest League One standings. The quick turnaround offers little time for training but a clear opportunity to rediscover their identity before the international break. Plymouth's next match is away at Doncaster Rovers on September 5th.
