Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vítor Pereira praised striker Tolu Arokodare after the Nigerian scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Everton at Molineux.
Arokodare, signed in the summer, came off the bench late on and struck in the 87th minute, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Mark Travers to secure Wolves’ place in the fourth round.
Afterwards, Pereira admitted the forward is still short of full fitness but said he was impressed with both his confidence and his impact.
“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,” said Pereira.
“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.”
Arokodare. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pereira revealed that Arokodare was introduced to help him adapt and gain minutes, with no plan for him to play a full game.
“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,” Pereira explained.
“He needs to work hard to get his condition, and he will help us.”
Tolu Arokodare celebrating with his teammates. Photo Credit: Imago
The Super Eagles striker has played 2 games already in the Premier League since joining from Belgian club Genk.
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Earlier in the tie, Marshall Munetsi had given Wolves the lead on 29 minutes, and Arokodare’s late strike made sure of progression as Pereira’s side claimed only their second win of the season.
The head coach, who made nine changes to his line-up, said the performance showed the quality and spirit needed to turn their campaign around.
“It was nice to see the players with confidence, playing good football, good pressure, controlling the game, character, team spirit,” he added.
Wolves Manager Viktor Pereira. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“A good result can change everything. It can change the spirit of the team, 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.”
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The victory sends Wolves into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and hands them a first clean sheet of the season. They face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend.
