Arsenal travelled to Molineux to face relegation-threatened Wolves knowing that anything less than three points would be a major blow to their title hopes.
Having dominated the game, Arsenal missed two glorious chances to take the lead with Kai Havertz coming close on both occasions.
The game turned on its head when Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly for serious foul play in controversial decision yet again involving the Gunners.
Oliver later made the teams even once again after showing a second yellow card to midfielder Joao Gomes.
Riccardo Calafiori scored a late winner with a brilliant finish on the half volley to secure a massive three points for Mikel Arteta and his side.
Three winners from Arsenal’s clash with Wolves
Riccardo Calafiori
Upon return from injury, Calafiori would have been disappointed to have lost his place to Myles Lewis-Skelly but was soon thrust into the action following the youngster’s red card.
The Italian defender was sensational, defended with aggression and purpose and ultimately produced a moment of quality in front of goal that keeps Arsenal’s title hopes alive.
The finish was something a seasoned striker would have been proud of, as Calafiori swept the ball home on the half volley to provide the decisive moment.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice has really stepped up for the Gunners in recent weeks. Rice scored in Arsenal’s victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League and was a constant attacking threat.
It was a different type of performance from the England international against Wolves as he covered every blade of grass in his defensive work whilst still driving the team forward.
Arteta wanted leaders in this Arsenal team, he has certainly found one in Rice and if he continues in this fashion, Arsenal will go very close to achieving their goals this season.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Thrusted into the captaincy following the absence of Martin Odegaard and the Brazilian defender more than showed why he was trusted with the job by Arteta.
Strong and resolute in defence, Gabriel marshalled his troops in extremely difficult circumstances following the sending off but managed to keep control of his players’ emotions to earn a crucial win.
Two losers from Arsenal’s clash with Wolves
Kai Havertz
Havertz was sensational against Dinamo Zagreb but the German showed why he divides so many opinions with his performance.
There was no lack of effort and endeavour from Havertz but he missed three glorious chances to make the game a little more comfortable for the Gunners.
Criticism is going to keep following the German until he can become more clinical in crucial moments within games.
Michael Oliver
Michael Oliver was at the centre of attention once again involving a match with Arsenal. Jamie O’Hara has claimed Oliver’s decision is ‘one of the worst he has ever seen’ amid anger that the decision should have only been a yellow card.
Arsenal fans were raging at Oliver for his perceived lack of consistency involving Arsenal, once again the headlines will be about his refereeing decisions and not the game of football he is overseeing.
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