Arokodare Starts, But Rob Edwards’ Debut at Wolves Ends in Defeat

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare was handed a starting role for Wolverhampton Wanderers in what marked the first game under their new head coach, Rob Edwards. But despite the trust shown in him, the match ended in disappointment as Wolves fell 2–0 to Crystal Palace at Molineux.

Edwards, who returned to Wolves after previous spells as a player and youth coach, named a strong XI in an attempt to kickstart a turnaround. Arokodare partnered Jørgen Strand Larsen in attack, with hopes that the Nigerian striker could spark the team’s long-awaited first league win of the season.

Wolves held off for much of the first half, but Crystal Palace broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, when Daniel Muñoz slid in a low left-footed effort to beat the home defence.

Only six minutes later, Palace doubled their lead in spectacular fashion. Yeremy Pino curled a stunning strike into the net, crashing off the crossbar before landing in the back of the net.

The result left Wolves rooted at the bottom of the Premier League, with just two points from 12 matches.  For Edwards, the pressure is already mounting: the club desperately needs stability, but that will not come without results.

Editorial

In the unforgiving theatre of the Premier League, Rob Edwards made his return to Molineux with a palpable mixture of optimism and urgency. Giving Tolu Arokodare a start was a clear signal this is not a honeymoon. This is a reckoning. But even the best-laid plans can unravel when momentum has long been lost.

Arokodare’s inclusion was not symbolic it was pragmatic. The striker has the size, the physicality, and, importantly, the potential to offer something different in Wolves’ attacking play. Edwards clearly believes in him, not just as a short-term fix, but as a long-term piece in a squad in desperate need of clarity.

Yet, match-day is where ideas must confront truths. Palace’s goals exposed exactly what has plagued Wolves over the opening months moments of concentration lapsed, and quality from opponents punished them. The first came from a routine-looking situation the second, a moment of genuine class. The gulf between hope and reality, between promise and execution, remains wide.

For Arokodare, this was a chance not just to prove himself, but to anchor a revival. For Edwards, it was a statement. But neither man will be judged on intent. In a season where every game is a potential turning point, only performance not sentiment will determine whether Wolves can finally begin the climb out of danger.

Did You Know?

1. Arokodare scored his first goal for Wolves in the Carabao Cup, chipping over the goalkeeper in a 2–0 win vs. Everton.
2. He joined Wolves in the 2025 summer transfer window from Genk, reportedly for around £24 million.
3. Before his arrival, Vítor Pereira was manager, but he was sacked following a winless start; Rob Edwards was appointed in his place.
4. Arokodare made his Premier League debut in a 1–0 loss to Newcastle United, playing 66 minutes before being substituted.
5. Despite the loss, Edwards noted there were “encouraging signs” like high-intensity runs — suggesting he plans to focus on work rate and physicality as pillars for his rebuild.