After attracting attention during the current transfer-window, former Arsenal striker Benik Afobe made a dream start to his step-up from League One to Championship football.
In his seventh loan spell from parent club Arsenal, including two in quick succession with Huddersfield Town, Afobe has been making waves in Buckinghamshire for MK Dons during the current campaign. 19 goals in 30 appearances for Karl Robinson’s Dons led to Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Kenny Jackett inquiring to the Emirates Stadium about his permanent availability. On agreeing a fee with the North London club and personal terms with the striker, Afobe officially signed for the West Midlands club on Wednesday.
Wanderers hosted Championship strugglers Blackpool on Saturday and boss Jackett named Afobe on the bench. After a goal-less first-half the ex-Gunner was introduced to proceedings in the 57th minute in place of James Henry, in a move to spice up the home sides frontline. As the second half progressed Wolves found themselves pushing for the winner whilst the Tangerines battled for a welcome away point. Lee Clark’s side would however succumb to the hosts pressure and Dave Edwards gave Jackett’s side the lead in the 86th minute.
With the Molineux faithful relieved the home side rounded of proceedings in the 90th minute, and it was the moment debutant Afobe craved. Fortunately for the front man Blackpool ‘keeper Joe Lewis and substitute Darren O’Dea were involved in a terrible mix-up attempting to cut out a Kevin McDonald pass, leaving Afobe with the simple opportunity to walk the ball into the open net as all three points remained in the West Midlands.
Possibly his simplest strike of the season extended Afobe’s tally of goals to 20, as he now looks to prove himself at Championship level. With Arsenal at present not replacing two loan striker deals, if Afobe continues his goalscoring success with Wolves, it could leave Gunners fans wondering why manager Arsene Wenger failed to take a chance on the in-form forward as a squad member for the remainder of the season.