In a match filled with controversy and late drama, Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 victory over Wolves to keep their Premier League title aspirations alive. The Gunners were reduced to 10 men just before halftime when teenage defender Myles Lewis-Skelly was harshly sent off for a trip on Matt Doherty. But Mikel Arteta’s side dug deep and found an unlikely hero in substitute Riccardo Calafiori, who scored the winner just minutes after João Gomes was dismissed for a second yellow card.
The match started brightly for Arsenal, who dominated possession and created several clear-cut chances. However, profligate finishing from Kai Havertz meant the score remained level. The turning point came in the 43rd minute when Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card for what appeared to be a innocuous challenge on Doherty. VAR chose not to intervene, much to the dismay of the Arsenal bench and players.
Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Faced with the numerical disadvantage, Arteta made astute changes to his team’s shape and personnel. The introductions of Kieran Tierney and especially Calafiori proved masterstrokes. The Italian left-back, signed from Roma in the summer, provided an attacking outlet and ultimately scored the decisive goal.
Arsenal’s resilience was tested as Wolves sought to capitalize on their extra man. But the Gunners’ defense, marshaled by the returning William Saliba, held firm. Goalkeeper David Raya also played his part with a couple of crucial saves.
Gomes’ Dismissal Swings Momentum
The complexion of the match changed again in the 70th minute when Gomes, already on a booking, received his marching orders for a late challenge on Thomas Partey. Suddenly, it was 10 vs 10, and Arsenal sensed an opportunity.
It took just four minutes for the Gunners to capitalize. Calafiori, surging forward from left-back, arrived perfectly to meet a Leandro Trossard cross and steer a fine finish past José Sá in the Wolves goal. The Emirates Stadium erupted in a mixture of joy and relief.
Sometimes in football, you have to find a way to win in difficult circumstances. I’m so proud of the character, resilience and quality my team showed today.
Mikel Arteta
Implications in the Title Race
This hard-fought win keeps Arsenal in touch with league leaders Liverpool, who remain six points clear but have played a game more. With seven matches remaining, Arteta knows his team can ill-afford any slip-ups.
- Arsenal remain second, 6 points behind Liverpool
- Liverpool have a game in hand on the Gunners
- Manchester City sit third, a further 3 points back
While the performance was far from vintage Arsenal, the three points could prove pivotal. Grinding out wins in adversity is often the hallmark of champions. Arteta will hope this result gives his team the belief and momentum to chase down Liverpool in the home stretch.
Work Still to Do for the Gunners
For all the positives, this match also highlighted areas Arsenal must improve. Their lack of cutting edge up front, with Havertz again misfiring, remains a concern. The absence of captain Martin Ødegaard was keenly felt in terms of creativity.
Questions will also be asked about the team’s discipline. Lewis-Skelly’s red card, whether harsh or not, means Arsenal have now had 19 players sent off during Arteta’s tenure. They can scarcely afford such lapses in the run-in.
Nevertheless, this was a day to celebrate Arsenal’s fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude. In Calafiori, they may just have unearthed an unlikely hero in their quest for a first league title in 20 years. The Italian’s cameo could prove one of the defining moments of this enthralling Premier League season.
