Riccardo Calafiori emerged as the hero, leading Arsenal to a crucial 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Consequently, this win keeps Arsenal six points behind the Premier League leaders following a fiercely contested match that saw red cards issued to both teams.
Initially, Myles Lewis-Skelly received a red card for a reckless challenge on Matt Doherty, providing Vitor Pereira’s struggling Wolves with a glimmer of hope for a much-needed win.
However, the tide shifted when Joao Gomes received a second yellow card for a dangerous lunge on Jurrien Timber, thwarting Wolves’ chances of securing a positive result.
Ultimately, Calafiori secured the victory for Arsenal in the 74th minute, striking decisively to maintain their pursuit of Liverpool.
The Gunners remain six points adrift after Liverpool’s win over Ipswich Town, who sit at the bottom of the league table.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton, currently fourth from bottom, finds itself precariously above Ipswich only on goal difference.
The team risks slipping into the relegation zone, especially with Leicester City set to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Match Highlights
Despite Arsenal dominating possession, Wolves created the initial significant chance.
Nelson Semedo’s cross found Pablo Sarabia, who unfortunately misfired his volley over the bar.
Subsequently, Kai Havertz squandered two opportunities, narrowly missing the post before a close-range header was expertly saved by Jose Sa.
As halftime approached, Wolves gained momentum when Doherty attempted to counter from an Arsenal corner.
Unfortunately, Lewis-Skelly fouled him, resulting in a red card from referee Michael Oliver for serious foul play.
In the 64th minute, Wolves nearly took the lead. Matheus Cunha, after being denied by David Raya, agonizingly shot wide.
However, the game shifted again when Gomes’ reckless challenge on Timber led to his second booking, allowing Arsenal to press for a decisive goal.
Calafiori capitalized on this opportunity, scoring in the 74th minute with a low shot that beat Sa, sealing a vital victory for Arsenal.
Wolves’ Missed Opportunities
Entering halftime goalless and with a one-man advantage, Wolves had a prime opportunity to pull away from the relegation zone.
They successfully contained Arsenal’s attack during the first half, with Emmanuel Agbadou impressively neutralizing Gabriel Martinelli.
However, Wolves struggled offensively after Sarabia’s early miss, with Cunha appearing frustrated following recent criticism from Pereira.
The Molineux crowd expected more in the second half but were disappointed as Arsenal continued to dominate play, even with ten men.
Just as Wolves seemed to gain momentum, Gomes’ unnecessary foul evened the playing field, complicating their chances.
Additionally, striker Jorgen Strand Larsen limped off with a hamstring injury, adding to their woes ahead of challenging matches against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Arsenal’s Defensive Strength
Before Saturday’s match, Arsenal had scored more goals from defenders than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Conversely, Wolves had conceded the most goals to defenders, highlighting a stark contrast in defensive performances.
Initially, Mikel Arteta might have feared the worst after Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal, especially given Arsenal’s previous struggles in similar situations.
However, the Gunners managed to secure a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City, despite a loss to AFC Bournemouth earlier in the season.
Arteta’s forwards faltered again, with Havertz missing three clear headers, the most notable saved brilliantly by Sa.
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s defenders stepped up, with Calafiori scoring his second Premier League goal at a pivotal moment.
Calafiori’s previous goal helped Arsenal secure a draw at the Etihad Stadium, but this strike could prove even more significant as they continue to chase Liverpool.
A crucial rematch against Pep Guardiola’s City awaits in just eight days.