Sudden Impact

The 21-year-old loanee from Bristol City joined the Pilgrims on transfer deadline-day and helped his new team to a 1-0 Home Park win over Cheltenham Town after coming on as a 53rd-minute substitute.

His physical presence and partnership with fellow substitute David Goodwillie gave Argyle momentum which ended when Sonny Bradley won all three Sky Bet League Two points with an injury-time header. 

After the game, Sonny revealed that he had experienced Arnold’s strength in the build-up to the match.

“I only trained with him once,” he said. “He was on the opposing team in a 10 v 10; I was up against him and he ragdolled me a couple of times so, straight away, I knew what he was going to be about. He’s a handful; a big, strong presence up front.

“I think he changed the game. He was unlucky with a couple of decisions that went against him, but he created a couple of chances for us; he stretched them and bullied their centre-halves. That might have been just what we needed, so we can give him a lot of credit.”

David had come on in the seventh minute after regular central striker Jimmy Spencer pulled up lame.

“When Jimmy went off, it was a big blow for us,” said Sonny. “Jimmy has been great so far this season. He holds the ball up well. 

“I think fans do get a little bit frustrated with him because he’s not always scoring the goals, but I don’t think they see some of the stuff he does in the build-up. He does a lot for us. 

“We’ve got options now – different dimensions – and it will be interesting to see what the gaffer does next week.”