Arsenal’s resilience shone through as Riccardo Calafiori’s late goal secured a vital Premier League victory against Wolves, despite Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial first-half red card.
Referee Michael Oliver stunned the Gunners when he sent off Lewis-Skelly in the 43rd minute for a tactical foul on Matt Doherty, who had broken away 30 yards from Wolves’ goal. The decision left Arsenal down to 10 men and sparked intense debate, especially given the game’s potential implications on the title race.
At just 18 years and 121 days old, Lewis-Skelly became the third-youngest player to be shown a red card in Premier League history, joining the ranks of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
Wolves also ended the game with 10 men after Joao Gomes was dismissed for a second yellow card following a foul on Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes remaining. However, Gomes’ red card will likely be remembered as a mere footnote compared to the drama surrounding Lewis-Skelly’s exit.
For Arsenal, the stakes were high. With Liverpool securing a 4-1 win over Ipswich earlier in the day, the Gunners could not afford to drop points, as a slip-up would widen the gap between the top two teams in the Premier League table.
Despite the setback, Arsenal’s grit and determination came to the fore. Following a tactical reshuffle at halftime, substitute Riccardo Calafiori emerged as the hero. The Italian defender delivered a composed low finish in the 74th minute to secure all three points and keep Arsenal within six points of league leaders Liverpool.
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The match, which had initially been forgettable, gained intensity after Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal. Wolves supporters, frustrated with their club’s 17th-place position, voiced their displeasure toward the ownership, chanting for Fosun to “back the team or sell the club.”
Early chances were sparse, with Pablo Sarabia volleying over and Kai Havertz missing a couple of opportunities, including a header denied by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa. Havertz remained a threat after the break, while Matheus Cunha had two dangerous moments for Wolves.
But the defining moment belonged to Calafiori, whose decisive strike ensured Arsenal maintained their title challenge, turning a potentially damaging evening into one of triumph.