Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare has voiced his frustration after his side conceded a late goal in their 2–1 Premier League loss to Arsenal, describing the moment as “painful” and blaming lapses in concentration at the back.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Arokodare admitted the defeat was difficult to take, stressing that late goals have been a recurring issue for Wolves this season.
“It’s really painful. This has been happening to us all season,” he said. “We play well for most of the game, but right at the end we lose focus and concede. I can’t really explain it, but it hurts a lot.”
The Nigerian striker, who scored a dramatic 91st-minute equaliser after meeting a cross from Mateus Mané, reflected on Arsenal’s stoppage-time winner and pointed to defensive mistakes.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve conceded late,” he added. “It’s something we must improve on staying switched on until the final whistle. It’s unfortunate, but it was a good goal from them, even though I think our defending could have been better.”
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Despite the loss, Arokodare highlighted several positives from the performance, noting the quality of the opposition.
“We played against the best team in the league – they’re top of the table,” he said. “Their first goal came from a corner and we were a bit unlucky. We managed to fight back, and although they scored again late on, there are positives to take. We’ll focus on what we did well.”
The 23-year-old also admitted Wolves need to improve their attacking output.
“We have to score more goals,” he said. “In recent games, we haven’t been clinical enough. We’re working on it, and although we had chances in the second half, things just haven’t gone our way. Hopefully that will change in the coming matches.”
Arokodare has made around ten appearances for Wolves this season, mainly off the bench, scoring twice but yet to record an assist. Meanwhile, defensive issues continue to trouble the club, with Wolves having conceded four own goals so far the highest tally in the Premier League.