Riccardo Calafiori’s second-half strike secured a vital 1-0 win for Arsenal over Wolves at Molineux, ensuring the Gunners remain six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 43rd minute when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly received a controversial red card. The 18-year-old was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver for a foul on Matt Doherty, stopping a Wolves counterattack.
Lewis-Skelly became the third-youngest player to be sent off in Premier League history, joining Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen on the list.
Despite being down to 10 men, Arsenal showed resilience, and the introduction of Calafiori at halftime proved decisive. The Italian defender broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, tucking home a low finish inside the box after a well-worked move.
Wolves were also reduced to 10 men late in the second half when Joao Gomes was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Jurrien Timber. However, Gomes’ dismissal had little bearing on the outcome.
The victory allowed Arsenal to avoid slipping further behind Liverpool, who defeated Ipswich 4-1 earlier in the day. Calafiori’s winner came as a significant boost for the Gunners, who are determined to keep pace in the title race.
The game also highlighted fan unrest among Wolves supporters, with chants directed at owners Fosun, urging them to “back the team or sell the club” as the team languishes in 17th place.
While Wolves threatened through Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
The win showcased Arsenal’s resilience in the face of adversity, keeping their title hopes alive despite Lewis-Skelly’s controversial sending-off.
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