Wolves failure uses Arokodare as yardstick to explain Premier League struggles

New Palmeiras signing Jhon Arias has defended his difficult spell in the Premier League, pointing to Tolu Arokodare as evidence of wider issues at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Colombian winger insists his struggles were part of a collective problem rather than individual failure.

Arias recently completed a €25 million move back to Brazil after a short stint in England, having only joined Wolves from Fluminense last summer.

During his unveiling, Arias dismissed suggestions that he failed to adapt to English football, instead stressing that Wolves have endured a miserable campaign in front of goal.

“The Wolverhampton top scorer in the Premier League [Tolu Arokodare], has two goals; I scored one,” Arias said, explaining how slim the margins have been.

His comparison also shows the club’s broader attacking problems. Wolves sit bottom of the table with just nine points from 26 matches, having scored only 16 goals while conceding 48. For Arias, those numbers paint a clear picture of the club’s struggles.

By referencing Arokodare, currently seen as a leading figure in Wolves’ attack, Arias suggested that the team’s environment made it difficult for any forward to thrive.

Arokodare arrived from Genk with strong expectations after two productive seasons in Belgium. Instead, he has found himself leading the line in a side locked in a desperate relegation fight.

Opportunities were limited in the first half of the campaign, but following Jorgen Strand Larsen’s departure to Crystal Palace, the Nigerian striker has carried greater responsibility. Goals, however, have remained scarce across the squad.

While critics may question his return, the context is crucial. Wolves’ struggles extend far beyond one player.

For Arokodare, the immediate focus may now shift to personal performances, maintaining form and attracting interest, whether from elsewhere in England or across Europe’s top leagues.