Tolu Arokodare has not started often for Wolves since arriving in the summer, but in his first game in charge, Rob Edwards gave him a chance.
It was not the best circumstance for a striker to be dropped into, as the Old Gold are struggling to create chances for their forwards.
And that has led them into a goalscoring crisis that continued against the Eagles.
Wolves’ issues are clear to see in the final third ahead of playing Aston Villa…
No player has scored more than once for Wolves across their 12 games so far in the Premier League this season. Only four sides have had a longer wait from the start of a campaign for a player to score twice – Bradford City (15 games in 2000-01), Huddersfield Town (13 in 2018-19), Tottenham (13 in 2006-07) and Wimbledon (13 in 1994-95).
Despite the poor start to the season, Tolu is remaining confident about Wolves, and he had some kind words for Vitor Pereira, the manager who signed him.
However, while the Nigerian forward has not had as many chances to prove himself as he would like, he has given an honest answer about what Pereira and now Edwards have told him about him starting.
Tolu Arokodare will understand if Rob Edwards benches him vs Aston Villa
Tolu Arokodare has had to adapt to the Premier League, and on top of that, he has had to get up to match fitness.
The former Genk forward signed for the club after missing pre-season with the Belgian outfit, and that has not been ideal for him at the Wanderers.
The summer signing has featured in ten matches for Wolves but has only started on four of those occasions.
However, he is not letting that upset him, and in fact, he insists he completely understands the situation he is in as Wolves gear up for a West Midlands derby.
Anything can happen in a derby…
Since Wolves and Aston Villa have been back in the Premier League (2019), Wolves have won six of their 12 against the Villans (50%).
Tolu Arokodare said (via Express and Star), “I haven’t had many chances, but I understand why completely. I had good conversations with Vitor Pereira, and he explained to me perfectly.”
“I’m still new to the league, and I have to be patient and learn, which I am. If I have to stay out of the team and learn, I am OK with it. The new coach, Rob, has spoken with me, and he has told me what he wants from me, and I just have to keep doing it.”
Rob Edwards spoke about Tolu after playing Crystal Palace, and he was impressed with him throughout the week leading up to that game.
With more minutes under his belt and his fitness improving, fans could finally start to see the striker more often.
And it is clear what should happen on Sunday.
Rob Edwards should not drop Tolu on Sunday
Tolu Arokodare did not score vs Crystal Palace, but there was never really much opportunity for him to do so.
However, outside of that, he was dominant and effective in dealing with set pieces defensively, and it made the Old Gold much more solid in those situations.
His physicality was a huge help, and he should be allowed to continue on the back of that showing.
It was by no means an amazing performance, but it was enough to warrant another start. However, if he is dropped, it is pleasing to hear that he will not let it affect him.
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