Vitor Pereira Offers Honest Verdict on Tolu Arokodare’s Wolves Debut Against Newcastle

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Vitor Pereira has opened up about Tolu Arokodare’s first appearance for the club, offering an honest assessment of the striker’s Premier League debut during the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United. Despite the result and growing concerns surrounding the team’s early-season form, Pereira expressed a degree of satisfaction with what he saw from the Nigerian forward.

Pereira did his best to reassure Wolves supporters following the loss, insisting that the squad would improve as the season progresses. He pointed to his previous work with the team and emphasized that progress is possible, even amid current struggles. However, there’s no denying that an ominous cloud looms over the campaign.

Having already lost several key players over the summer transfer window, the current Wolves side looks significantly weakened compared to previous seasons. Their lack of depth and top-flight experience has raised serious doubts about their ability to compete consistently this year.

Saturday’s defeat at St. James’ Park marked a particularly low point for the club. Not only did Wolves fail to pick up any points, but the 1-0 loss also cemented their worst start to a league campaign in the club’s 127-year history. That statistic alone has sent alarm bells ringing among fans, pundits, and possibly within the dressing room.

Due to the absence of first-choice striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who missed the game due to injury, Wolves were forced to fast-track Arokodare’s involvement. The 23-year-old striker, who arrived from Belgian side Genk on deadline day for a reported fee of £24 million, was immediately thrust into the starting lineup—despite having had just a single training session with the team.

Arokodare’s arrival was meant to add depth and provide genuine competition for Strand Larsen. However, the current situation meant he had to jump into the deep end without much preparation. Making your debut in one of the most physical fixtures in the Premier League—away at Newcastle—is no easy feat, especially for a player still finding his fitness and adjusting to a new league.

Speaking after the game, Vitor Pereira reflected on Arokodare’s debut performance and explained what the striker offers to his team.

“After we lost our striker, we needed someone ready to step in,” said Pereira. “We only had one training session with Tolu, but he brings something different to our attack. He’s a physically strong presence up front. He gives us an option to play long, to hold the ball, and give our midfielders and wingers time to join the attack.”

Despite the tough circumstances, Pereira saw positives in the striker’s showing. “He did well. Of course, he’s not yet in peak physical condition, so he can do better—but there were promising signs,” the Wolves boss added.

Arokodare himself had admitted upon joining the club that he wasn’t quite match-fit, having missed full pre-season preparations. That’s now one of the key priorities—getting the forward up to full fitness so he can play to his potential.

The reality is, Saturday’s match was always going to be a tough test for the newcomer. He was up against one of the most robust defensive pairings in the league in Dan Burn and Fabian Schär. Both defenders used their physicality and experience well, managing to limit Arokodare’s impact on the game. Yet, despite the tough opposition and limited service, the striker showed flashes of potential—holding the ball up effectively at times and working hard for the team.

There’s a sense that once Arokodare settles into his new surroundings, builds chemistry with his teammates, and reaches match fitness, he could become an important player for Wolves. Facing Newcastle away on your debut is a baptism of fire, but the early signs suggest that with time, the Nigerian international can be a useful asset—particularly against less physically dominant opposition in the weeks to come.

Wolves fans will be hoping that both Arokodare and the team as a whole can start turning things around soon, as early-season concerns are already starting to mount.