Rob Edwards is seeking to improve Wolves in the final third – and Tolu Arokodare will feel he can do just that.
The Nigerian opened his account in the Premier League at the weekend, scoring in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
He and the Wolves fans thought that goal would lead to only a third point of the season.
Will the floodgates open for Tolu Arokodare now he’s opened his Premier League account?
Christantus Uche seems to think so… 👀
But sadly, the Old Gold could not hold on and Arsenal went and scored a winner moments later, with Yerson Mosquera putting into his own net.
It was an absolutely gutting end to the game and not what Wolves deserved.
But there were positives to take – and Arokodare’s goal was certainly one.
After the game, Rob Edwards gave his verdict on Arokodare, amid increasing clamouring from fans for him to be a regular starter.
Rob Edwards delivers Tolu Arokodare verdict after goal vs Arsenal
There were high hopes for Arokodare when he signed on transfer deadline day.
He had a very productive season with Genk, and his £24 million move to Molineux was seen as a statement. Especially in addition to Wolves keeping hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
But minutes have been hard to come by for Arokodare, both under Vitor Pereira and Rob Edwards.
But Arokodare can certainly finish, and the hope now is that the goal against Arsenal will see the floodgates open. Christantus Uche believes more goals will follow for Arokodare in a Wolves shirt.
Edwards was asked about his £24 million signing after Saturday’s game, and made an intriguing remark.
He said (via E&S): “It’s good for Tolu. He’s an emotional guy and I think he’s still learning and has lots to do, but we can really try and help him, work together to bring more out of him because he’s got something.”
It’s an intriguing verdict, because Arokodare comes across very cool, calm and collected and on the pitch we have not seen a huge amount of emotion. It also suggests how Edwards sees him right now, and the potential for him to replace Strand Larsen doesn’t seem especially huge.
- READ MORE: Wolves fans think one clear plan has emerged after 2-1 Arsenal defeat, featuring Tolu Arokodare
Arokodare needs a proper run in Wolves’ starting XI
Arokodare has had some games this season where he’s frustrated, but there’s no denying he can finish when given service.
He took his goal really well against Arsenal, and his two strikes in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season were also impressive.
It has been difficult for him having to play second fiddle to Jorgen Strand Larsen, but there is now a strong argument for him to start ahead of the struggling Norwegian.
Fill in the blank: Tolu Arokodare will finish the season on ___ goals for Wolves…
The Nigerian striker is on three across all competitions so far ⚽
Fans are having difficulty making a case for Strand Larsen to keep starting right now, and Arokodare will be feeling confident after scoring against Arsenal.
Edwards’ post-match remarks about Arokodare are interesting, though. They don’t scream that the manager will definitely be starting him, but we’ll see if Arokodare can convince the manager to give him a go against Brentford.
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