Five-Figure Forward May Provide Spark to Ignite Plymouth Argyle’s Campaign

After defeat in their opening two League One outings, Plymouth Argyle bounced back to defeat Queens Park Rangers in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The win provides a first success for Tom Cleverley and was inspired by the performance of summer signing Owen Oseni. 

A horrible first-half saw Argyle miss a penalty and go into the break 2-0 down, but 22-year-old Oseni starred to lead the comeback and secure a 3-2 victory at Home Park.

First Start For Summer Arrival Yields Result

A move to Gateshead in 2024 saw Oseni star and score 12 goals in 24 matches. His performances caught the eye of St. Mirren, who swooped in to sign the Irish forward in January. However, the move did not work out, and after just 11 appearances, the forward was on the move again this summer.

Plymouth Argyle splashed a reported £60,000 to land the former Waterford player, and his full debut against Championship opposition provided a promising outlook for his first season in the EFL.

Against the run of play, the League One outfit found themselves two behind at half-time before Oseni displayed his goalscoring instincts to turn the game on its head.

With the score at 2-1, the forward showed excellent awareness to judge the flight of Ayman Benarous‘ cross and with Paul Nardi unable to collect, Oseni produced a skilful finish on the volley to level the tie. He would go on to score the winner with 12 minutes left to play.

Oseni again displayed his instincts in the box, finishing Caleb Watts’ ball-in from close range, having been involved in the initial build-up by holding up play and linking his team-mates.

Plymouth Argyle have struggled to link to their forward players in defeats to Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley, but played much further forward against QPR and that helped their new signing to thrive. The attacker created one big chance, won five of his nine ground duels and had more efforts on goal than any player on the pitch.

His presence in remaining active around the opposition penalty area allowed Cleverley’s side to make QPR sit in, and if he can replicate these performances at League One level, the club may have found a new star to lead their quest for promotion back to the Championship.

Plymouth Argyle Face Tricky Run of Fixtures

There would have been few of the Home Park faithful who would have been happy with seeing them play Bolton Wanderers, Lincoln City and Leyton Orient in consecutive outings in League One, but the team must pick up results against sides that will have their aspirations this campaign.

The Imps are a tough side to beat at home, as evidenced by their opening day win over Reading. Leyton Orient have had a busy summer, and when their players have time to settle, they should be among the race for promotion.

It should be anticipated that Oseni is in the starting line-up this weekend, as another display of the same calibre should see Plymouth Argyle pick up their first points of the season at the third attempt. Cleverley can also call on Aribim Pepple, the forward who impressed with Chesterfield in League Two last season.