'It would send a message' - Wolves striker Arokodare eyes statement win over Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare believes victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night would serve as a major statement of intent and a much-needed morale boost as the team look to rediscover confidence after a difficult Premier League campaign.

After nine matches in the top flight, Wolves remain the only side yet to record a win, sitting six points adrift of safety.

However, their fortunes in the cup have offered some respite, with Vítor Pereira's men producing spirited performances to eliminate West Ham United and Everton, setting up a tantalising fourth-round showdown with the Blues.

Arokodare has found opportunities limited so far, making just two starts in seven appearances.

The Nigeria international came off the bench to seal Wolves' victory in the previous round and will be hoping to earn a place in the starting XI as Pereira considers rotation for the midweek clash.

Arokodare has insisted that Wolves' impressive cup form so far this season has given the team belief that they can rise to the occasion once again.

"Getting the win against a team like Chelsea would be a huge confidence boost for us, because it would send a message to other teams, and it also send a message to us in our heads mentally, if you can beat a team like Chelsea, then you can obviously do it in the league too," he told Wolves' official website. 

"So, we're going to focus on trying to get the win, and then change our focus back to the league, because the game after Chelsea is a very important game too."

Arokodare joined Wolves from Racing Genk on deadline day after claiming the 2024-25 Jupiler Pro League Golden Boot.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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