Mikel Arteta has praised his Arsenal team for their heroic performance against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners edged past the Old Gold in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a wonderful strike from Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian met a loose ball inside the penalty area with an immaculate half-volley that ultimately secured the three points.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a controversial red card in the first half for a late challenge on Matt Doherty, and thus Arteta’s side were forced to play with ten men until Joao Gomes received his marching orders in the second period.
The result leaves Arsenal within touching distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool, and the manner of the victory delighted the Spanish boss.
Mikel Arteta praises ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal
For the fourth time this season, Arsenal were reduced to ten men in an incident that has infuriated supporters.
Fans were furious about Michael Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly, but the players themselves didn’t let that affect them.
They remained resolute, stuck to their defensive duties, and ultimately ended up grinding out an impressive win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta waxed lyrical about his team and identified three emotional qualities that he felt they displayed.
He said: “I’m extremely pleased about the players, You can talk about our courage, spirit and intelligence. The way they managed the game emotionally was unbelievable.”
The mental side of Arsenal’s game has come on leaps and bounds since Arteta took over, and that has never been more on show than the gritty outing on Saturday afternoon.
In a game that threatened to boil over due to Oliver’s divisive officiating, Arsenal maintained their cool and deservedly came away with the points.
- READ MORE: Matheus Cunha’s woes and Michael Oliver chants- Five things you missed in Arsenal win vs Wolves
Arteta was furious about Lewis-Skelly’s red card
In Arteta’s typically abrasive character, the tactician was not best pleased with the sending off.
Asked about the decision, he said: “I think it’s that obvious that we don’t need any comments today.
“Hopefully the right thing will happen after today.”
Lewis-Skelly will miss Arsenal’s next three games, and Arteta has every right to feel aggrieved by this.
While the young defender was late on Doherty, the tackle wasn’t reckless, nor was it stopping a goal-scoring opportunity.
Arsenal could well appeal the decision, and they may be successful.
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