Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Wolves in a heated encounter marked by controversy. Riccardo Calafiori, coming off the bench, scored the decisive goal with a brilliant half-volley. The game was full of drama, with both teams finishing with ten players. Arsenal’s 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly received a red card before halftime for a foul on Matt Doherty, stopping a Wolves counterattack. Referee Michael Oliver deemed it serious foul play, a decision Arsenal contested, believing it overly harsh.
Despite the setback, Arsenal started the second half strongly. Gabriel Magalhaes missed an early chance, while Kai Havertz squandered opportunities, and Declan Rice had a powerful shot saved by Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa. Wolves struggled to take advantage of their numerical superiority and were later reduced to ten men when Joao Gomes received a second yellow card for fouling Jurrien Timber.
The equal footing reinvigorated Arsenal, who pressed forward and found their breakthrough when Calafiori finished with precision. Mikel Arteta’s substitution proved decisive, and Arsenal’s defense, led by William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and goalkeeper David Raya, held firm under pressure.
Arsenal’s resilience stood out, particularly after Lewis-Skelly’s early dismissal. Declan Rice delivered another commanding midfield performance, justifying his hefty price tag, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard threatened in attack. Though Kai Havertz struggled to capitalize on his chances, Arteta’s faith in his attackers paid off.
This hard-fought victory showcased Arsenal’s fighting spirit and gave fans a memorable moment with Calafiori’s winning goal. However, it also highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for upcoming matches against Girona in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Wolves will feel they missed a golden opportunity, failing to make the most of their temporary advantage. Losing Joao Gomes to a red card further dented their hopes, while Arsenal’s defense stood resilient throughout. Fans will remember Calafiori’s stunning strike as the game’s defining moment, giving Arsenal the confidence to face future challenges.