Pereira: “He Did Well” — Arokodare Shines Despite Wolves’ Loss to Newcastle

Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare earned praise from Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Vítor Pereira after his performance in Wolves’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Pereira commended Arokodare, saying: “He did well,” pointing out that the striker’s pressing and physical presence added value to the team’s attack, even in a disappointing result.

Despite the scoreline, Arokodare impressed with his movement and work rate, creating space and putting Newcastle’s defence under pressure. Pereira also suggested that Arokodare could have won a penalty late in the game, expressing frustration at a key decision that VAR did not overturn.

Editorial

We are heartened by Vítor Pereira’s public backing of Tolu Arokodare, especially in a match Wolves lost  it says something important about how a player’s influence can transcend the scoreline. Arokodare’s willingness to press, to hold up the ball, and to engage physically was evident even when the final result went against his side. For us, this suggests a player ready to fight for every moment and earn his place, rather than simply waiting for chances to come to him.

That said, football is rarely just about effort. What stood out was how Arokodare’s presence seemed to unsettle Newcastle’s front line, but whether he can translate that disruption into goals or tangible success for the team remains to be seen. The penalty appeal that Pereira believed should have gone Arokodare’s way adds another layer: it highlights not just a moment of personal frustration, but also how refereeing decisions can dramatically affect both player momentum and team morale.

We contend that this kind of substitution bringing Arokodare on late and asking him to make a difference is a useful way to ease him into Premier League football. The timing allowed him to express himself without the burden of having to turn a game on its head. If Wolves continue to trust him in these scenarios, it could build his confidence and acclimatise him to the speed and intensity of top-level matches. But the big question is whether he can do more than just “do well.” To truly secure his place, he’ll need to begin influencing games directly, not just through presence, but through end product goals, assists, and decisive actions.

We believe that while Wolves’ defeat highlights ongoing issues, Arokodare’s performance provides a glimpse of potential. If he builds on this foundation, and if Wolves find ways to support him more consistently, this could be the start of something more significant one where effort and impact align.

Did You Know?

1. Tolu Arokodare joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2025, signing from Belgian club Genk.
2. In the 2024–25 season, Arokodare scored 23 goals in all competitions for Genk, finishing among the team’s top scorers.
3. Arokodare has previously featured for Nigeria’s national team during World Cup qualifying matches, showing his potential on the international stage.
4. His call-up and inclusion in Wolves’ squad came late in the transfer window, meaning he had minimal preparation time before making his debut.
5. Pereira’s comment about Arokodare “doing well” was notable because it came despite the team’s loss a rare instance where a manager publicly praises a player’s individual effort in defeat.