Riccardo Calafiori scored Arsenal's winner after Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card
Riccardo Calafiori fired 10-man Arsenal to a Premier League win at Wolves after Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card.
Referee Michael Oliver's first-half decision to send off Lewis-Skelly - after he fouled Matt Doherty 30 yards from the hosts' goal to stop the Wolves defender breaking from a corner - stunned the Gunners.
At 18 years and 121 days, Lewis-Skelly became the third youngest player to be sent off in the Premier League, behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
Joao Gomes' dismissal, for a second yellow card after a foul on Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes left, was more routine but it will be no more than a footnote.
Lewis-Skelly's red could have had an immediate impact on the title race if the second-placed Gunners dropped points to fall further behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Ipswich 4-1.
But they showed resilience to snatch the victory thanks to Calafiori, on as a substitute following a half-time reshuffle.
- Published25 January
The defender's fine low finish with 16 minutes left kept the Gunners six points adrift of Liverpool.
Myles-Skelly's 43rd-minute red ignited what had been a forgettable game, with the only early talking point Wolves fans' chants against owners Fosun, calling on them to "back the team or sell the club" with their side 17th in the table.
Pablo Sarabia volleyed over and Kai Havertz nodded wide before he was denied by Jose Sa.
Havertz again went close after the break with Matheus Cunha threatening twice before Calafiori pounced.
Red card should not overshadow Arsenal endeavour
Arteta praises Arsenal's 'unbelievable spirit'
Michael Oliver's decision to send Lewis-Skelly off after 43 minutes will be replayed and poured over for a long time.
It has split opinion, with former England captain Alan Shearer calling it "one of the worst decisions that I've seen in a long time".
Lewis-Skelly's tackle was cynical and he knew what he was doing to stop Doherty breaking away from an Arsenal corner, but whether it was a red card has sparked intense debate - so intense that Arsenal's win amid the controversy may almost be forgotten.
Liverpool snatched a result befitting champions when they struck twice late on to win at Brentford last week.
This time, Arsenal triumphed in a game where they faced adversity to keep in touch with the leaders after pulling their own win out of the fire.
A tactical reshuffle, bringing on eventual match-winner Calafiori at the break, proved to be a crucial decision by manager Mikel Arteta.
David Raya was never overly tested, despite a fine save to deny Matheus Cunha, and Arsenal always had a degree of control in the second half – even before Gomes' red card made it 10 v 10.
The Gunners' passionate celebrations at the end showed how important the win was and how they know they cannot afford to fall further behind Liverpool.
Fans continue to criticise Wolves owners
'Wolves lost a big chance to win' - Pereira
The anxiety was evident around Molineux as supporters voiced their anger at the direction of Wolves.
Chants against owners Fosun and chairman Jeff Shi punctured the air throughout the game and, while they always died down, the sentiment is clear.
Wolves are out of the bottom three on goal difference and face selling their stars again, even if Matheus Cunha stays at the club beyond the winter transfer window.
The club are determined to keep him, and talks over a new deal are ongoing, but fans wants to see further investment, not the constant sale of the crown jewels following Pedro Neto and Max Kilman's departures in the summer - even if finances remain tight amid profit and sustainability considerations.
The fans who stayed until the end at Molineux appreciated the hosts' efforts, but there is now a seven-point gap to a resurgent Everton in 16th.
It looks increasingly likely there could be a three-way fight for survival, with Southampton already appearing doomed, and, after a fourth straight defeat, Wolves have lost the early momentum they had after wins over Leicester City and Manchester United in Vitor Pereira's first two games.
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