Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor questioned the confidence of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare after his missed penalty in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Arokodare, who arrived at Wolves last summer following an impressive spell in Belgium, failed to convert from the spot late in the first half of the encounter.

The Nigeria international struck a low effort toward the bottom-right corner with little power, allowing Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson to dive down and gather the ball comfortably.

Reacting to the miss on Premier League Productions, Adebayor said Arokodare showed a lack of confidence and seemed uncertain about his actions, adding that the penalty should not have been taken in that manner in such an important game.

"When you’re in front of the defender, the only thing he can do is either foul you or leave you to finish the ball."

"Tolu’s lack of confidence, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. That’s a big lack of confidence. You can’t take a penalty like that in this kind of game," Adebayor said. 

The miss ultimately proved decisive, as Palace went on to claim victory through a late strike from Evann Guessand, taking advantage after Wolves were reduced to ten men following Ladislav Krejci’s dismissal in the 61st minute.

Still adjusting to life in the Premier League, Arokodare will be frustrated by the missed opportunity and will be eager to bounce back in the upcoming clash against Aston Villa.

Adeyemi Adewale