Kenyan defender instrumental as Bristol City batter Wayne Rooney's Plymouth in Championship encounter

Kenyan defender instrumental as Bristol City batter Wayne Rooney's Plymouth in Championship encounter

Mark Kinyanjui 10:45 - 01.12.2024

The defenderwas rock solid in an unorthodox right back role as Bristol City trounced Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Agyle 4-0 on Saturday to boost their Premier League promotion hopes.

Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner played a pivotal role in Bristol City’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at Ashton Gate on Saturday, piling further pressure on Wayne Rooney's managerial tenure. 

Operating as a right-back, Vyner showcased his versatility by contributing both defensively and offensively, helping his side dominate the Championship clash.

Vyner was a standout performer, exhibiting his influence in the final third with a combined expected assists and goals ratio of 0.5. 

Defensively, he excelled by winning three of his four aerial duels, making two clearances, and delivering a timely interception to thwart Plymouth’s rare attacking threats.

The Kenyan international also came close to scoring twice, with efforts from distance that narrowly missed the target during a first half where City laid siege to Plymouth’s goal.

After a frustrating first half that saw Bristol City’s dominance go unrewarded, Scott Twine finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. Twine got a decisive touch on Cam Pring’s driven shot, steering it past Dan Grimshaw to ignite the goal spree.

Anis Mehmeti’s brilliant brace followed, first with a precise finish into the bottom corner and then a thunderous strike into the roof of the net from Nahki Wells’ assist. Substitute Sinclair Armstrong added the fourth in stoppage time, capitalizing on Plymouth’s disarray to cap off a resounding victory.

Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth endured another defensive nightmare, conceding four goals for the second consecutive away match. The Argyle defense, which has now leaked 27 goals in 10 Championship away games, failed to cope with Bristol City’s relentless attacks.

Despite several changes to the lineup following their 6-1 defeat to Norwich, Plymouth offered little resistance and struggled to create meaningful chances. Rooney’s post-match frustrations were evident, as previously supportive fans turned on their team.

The win propels Bristol City closer to the playoff positions, with Zak Vyner’s form providing a significant boost to their aspirations. Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle and Rooney face mounting pressure to rectify their defensive frailties and reverse their downward trajectory in the league.

For Vyner, his continued strong performances will likely catch the attention of Harambee Stars supporters as they anticipate his contributions in international competitions.