Pilgrims did League One proud with their inspired showing at home of the European Champions
Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell is certainly hoping that taking a side like Chelsea to extra-time in the FA Cup before narrowly losing will have an effect on the legs of some of the Plymouth Argyle players this evening - but Artell believes that when you perform to such a high standard against the Champions of Europe, it can only inspire you.
Plymouth excelled at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday and only a missed penalty in the 118th minute by Ryan Hardie prevented them from possibly taking Thomas Tuchel’s side to a shoot-out.
They certainly had to ride their luck at times against an elite Premier League side, but they stuck in the tie and were unfortunate not to get the reward of taking it to penalties.
Artell told the club’s official website: “You would hope that taking a side like Chelsea to extra-time and nearly taking it to penalties, but losing narrowly would deflate the - but when you achieve something like that against the Champions of Europe, then it can really inspire you.
“Yes I am sure that they all had to put a right shift in to stay in the game against that standard of player, but they have shown that they can do it. They will think that they can play to that level week in week out and it will give them confidence.
“I am sure there were some tired minds and bodies in their dressing room but it can work both ways. You don’t know how it will work out. They will think we have been to Chelsea and lost narrowly and now we have to get ourselves up again for a Tuesday night at Crewe.
He added: “We know it will be a tough game against a good side and we will have to play well if we are going to get something out of the game.”