Tolu Arokodare’s late substitute appearance for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday marked a grim milestone for the club, as they became only the second Premier League side to lose to every other team at least once in a single season — a record previously held by Sheffield United. The Nigeria international came on in the 89th minute, replacing Joãao Gomes, with the match already decided and Wolves’ relegation to the Championship confirmed. The loss at the AMEX Stadium underscored a disastrous campaign for the West Midlands club, who failed to secure a single victory against any of their 19 league opponents.
Brighton opened the scoring in just 37 seconds when Jack Hinshelwood rose to head home from eight yards out, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Four minutes later, Lewis Dunk extended the lead with another header, this time from Maxim De Cuyper’s corner. The Seagulls sealed the victory in the 86th minute when Yankuba Minteh finished from close range after a swift counter-attack, leaving Wolves with no chance of recovery. The result confirmed their status as the only team in Premier League history to lose to all 19 other clubs in a single season, a statistic that highlights the severity of their campaign.
Arokodare’s future at Molineux remains uncertain despite having a contract that runs until June 2029. His involvement in a post-match dressing room incident following Wolves’ 4-0 thrashing by West Ham United has added to speculation about his role within the squad. The 24-year-old forward, who has contributed six goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season, has struggled to secure regular playing time amid the club’s struggles. His limited minutes, especially in crucial matches, have raised questions about his long-term prospects with the club.
The defeat to Brighton was Wolves’ 23rd in the Premier League this season, and their 11th away loss, highlighting their inability to compete consistently across the league. Their relegation to the Championship marks the end of a three-season stay in England’s top flight. As the club prepares for life in the second tier, key decisions on player contracts and squad restructuring will be critical. Arokodare’s performance and commitment will likely be under scrutiny as Wolves look to rebuild and return to the Premier League. The coming months will determine whether he remains a part of that journey or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.
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