‘I hope it wasn't perceived as a negative change’ - Wolves manager explains reason for benching Arokodare against City

Before the trip to Manchester, Arokodare had been in fine form, starting five consecutive league games for Wolves. 

The striker's availability was a boost for the club after he was surprisingly omitted from Nigeria's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

However, against the reigning champions, Edwards opted for a different approach. Arokodare was introduced in the 71st minute, replacing Hee-chan Hwang, by which time Wolves were already trailing 2-0.

Edwards insisted the change was purely tactical, aimed at controlling possession and creating different attacking threats against a formidable City side.

"I hope it wasn't perceived as a negative change bringing Tolu out of the team," Edwards explained to the club's official website. 

"The rationale was we wanted to take the ball more and be able to get behind them in a different type of way."

The manager also praised the contributions of the players who came on as substitutes, adding, "But then I thought Jorgen [Strand Larsen] made a good impact, and I thought Tolu did as well when we introduced him.”

Since joining Wolves on deadline day during the summer transfer window, Arokodare has scored four goals and provided one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions.