Plymouth looked unrecognisable from the side that flopped under Wayne Rooney - after Championship strugglers stunned Brentford in the FA Cup, writes WILLIAM PICKWORTH
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It's been less than two weeks since Wayne Rooney departed Plymouth, but if the Man United icon was following their clash at Brentford from afar on Saturday, he may have been left wondering whether that was the same team he said goodbye to just days ago.
![[Plymouth are undefeated in their three games since, notching two draws and one win]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/17/94012717-14276151-image-m-53_1736703115769.jpg)
Despite Rooney’s best efforts, he was sent packing when another defeat left Argyle rooted to the bottom of the Championship and without a victory in nine matches. But it was the away form that proved to be particularly damaging for Rooney as his side lost 12 and won none of their 14 games, with his reign characterised by heavy losses on the road.
![[They survived an onslaught from Brentford to snatch a 1-0 away win in the FA Cup third round]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/17/94012715-14276151-image-m-54_1736703127264.jpg)
So when the FA Cup draw gave them a trip to Brentford, a free-scoring team with the second best home record in the Premier League, you would have forgiven Plymouth fans for hiding behind the sofa. But, something was different in west London. Whether it was the boost of new manager Miron Muslic watching on from the stands, the warming presence of four-time interim boss Kevin Nancekivell or just the magic of the FA Cup, Plymouth were unrecognisable from the team that conceded 51 goals in 23 league games under Rooney.
The defence here were all available to Rooney - and perhaps their performances were a penny for his thoughts - as they blocked every ball and gave nothing away. Rooney was sacked as Plymouth manager on New Year's Eve as they sat last in the table. Plymouth are undefeated in their three games since, notching two draws and one win.
