Arokodare Nets First EPL Goal but Wolves Lose 2–1 in Dramatic Arsenal Finish

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare scored his first goal in the English Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening but it ultimately proved in vain as Arsenal clinched a 2–1 win at the Emirates Stadium. The match was defined by late drama and unfortunate own goals.

Arsenal had taken the lead in the 70th minute when Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone saw a Bukayo Saka corner deflect into his own net. Wolves looked dead and buried deep into the second half, only for substitute Arokodare to head home a 90th-minute equaliser, sending Wolves fans into raptures.

However, the joy was short-lived. In the 94th minute, Arsenal were handed a winner when defender Yerson Mosquera inadvertently headed a Bukayo Saka delivery into his own net, sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory for the league leaders.

Despite the result, Arokodare’s breakthrough Premier League strike coming at a crucial point in a tough season for Wolves — will be a memorable personal milestone.

Editorial

Football often writes its most compelling stories in the final moments, and Saturday at the Emirates was no exception. For Tolu Arokodare, that night will be remembered not for defeat, but for proving his presence matters in the hardest league in the world. His equaliser a towering header deep into stoppage time was more than just a goal it was evidence of heart, timing, and the instinctive skill that every striker dreams of displaying.

Yet the cruel twist that followed — Wolves undone by a second own goal in stoppage time  painted a picture of football’s inherent unpredictability. Arsenal, perched atop the Premier League and desperate to maintain momentum, may claim the three points, but Wolves’ fight and Arokodare’s impact revealed a deeper narrative. It was a story of a young forward refusing to be intimidated by circumstance, rising to the occasion even when his team sat deep in the table’s mire.

Arokodare’s journey to this moment has been hard-earned. Wolves have struggled mightily this season, with points hard to come by and confidence even harder to build. To score your first top-flight goal in such a context against a title contender — speaks to his potential and psychological resilience.

It serves as a reminder that in football, even great defences can crumble, and unexpected heroes can emerge. Arokodare might have left the Emirates with a loss, but he also left with something far less fleeting belief. And in the weeks and months ahead, such belief could be the spark that defines both his club and his international career.

Did You Know?

1. Tolu Arokodare’s header in the 90th minute was his first ever Premier League goal, marking a major personal milestone despite Wolves’ defeat.
2. Wolves briefly appeared set to earn a shock point at the Emirates a feat that would have been monumental, as they had just two points after 15 games entering the match.
3. Both goals in the match were own goals scored by Wolves players — Sam Johnstone and Yerson Mosquera  showing how unpredictable football can be in high-pressure moments.
4. Arsenal’s title hopes were boosted by the late win, which put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League after the fixture.
5. Wolves brought Arokodare on as a second-half substitute, and he made an immediate impact by converting a Mateus Mané cross, showing his knack for important contributions off the bench.