Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare has finally opened his goal account for Wolves, netting a decisive late strike to secure a 2–1 victory over Everton in the EFL Cup.
Arokodare came off the bench to deliver a crucial winner in the 88th minute, helping Wolves qualify for the next round.
Wolves head coach, Victor Pereira made changes ahead of the game both in personnel and tactics opting for a back four instead of his usual back three.
Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci, and Hugo Bueno lined up in defence, while Sam Johnstone started in goal, replacing the regular starter Jose Sa. The switch paid off greatly.
Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Despite Everton pushing for an equaliser, Arokodare sealed the win in stoppage time.
The decision to hand Sam Johnstone a start made the difference. The England international was phenomenal on the night, putting on a commanding display between the sticks, with five crucial saves, 23 completed passes, and eight ball recoveries.
Arokodare may have had just one touch in the opposition box, but it was all he needed.
His finishing showed the precision expected of a striker, particularly in a team that has less of the ball.
Beyond the goal, the Nigerian forward put in a complete performance.
He completed 60% of his passes, contributed defensively with a vital block, two clearances, won 100% of his ground duels and 90% of his aerial battles.
Head coach Victor Pereira was full of praise for the 24-year-old:
“When we are expecting a strong shot on the goal, because he has the confidence in himself. Of course, he is not in his shape physically speaking.
“Larsen today worked a lot for the team, and after Tolu went inside and he helped us. This is the spirit that I want to see.
“Tolu came in the moment that we didn’t have Jorgen to play. The plan was not to play with him 90 minutes, the plan was to give him time to adapt and to start getting minutes. He needs to work hard to get his condition, and he will help us.”
Pereira believes the performance can be what the players need to change their league form around and get points which will help them stay in the Premier League.
“It was nice to see the players with confidence, playing good football, good pressure, controlling the game, character, team spirit. It means that, for me, we can do this because they have quality. The players have quality, and we can bring a team stronger and get points in the league.
“A good result can change everything. It can change the spirit of the team, and change the atmosphere. I’ve missed it a lot the smiles of my players and the supporters and today I think we have reasons to smile.”
Wolves now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they face an in form Tottenham Hotspur side.
