Arsenal ratings: Calafiori saves the day after controversial Lewis-Skelly red as Arsenal kept up their chase of Premier League leaders Liverpool…

Arsenal ratings: Calafiori secures victory following contentious Lewis-Skelly red card.

On Saturday, Arsenal maintained their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves, a match that saw both teams reduced to ten players.

The Gunners squandered several opportunities before teenage left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card for “serious foul play” after fouling Matt Doherty just outside the Wolves penalty area.

Mikel Arteta’s side expressed their frustration but managed to turn the tide when João Gomes was issued a second yellow card in the 70th minute. Substitute Riccardo Calafiori then netted the decisive goal just four minutes later.

This victory keeps Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.

Positives

This remarkable win came against the odds, showcasing Arsenal’s resilience when it mattered most. The decision to introduce Calafiori from the bench proved to be a masterstroke.

Arteta will be pleased with the determination displayed by his players, which could be crucial in the title race.

Negatives

Once again, Havertz struggled in the forward position, and Arsenal should have capitalized on their chances before the red card incident. Their disciplinary issues persist, with 19 red cards under Arteta’s management, nearly costing them the match.

It is also worth noting that it would be surprising to see a similar red card issued in such circumstances again this season, especially considering VAR’s inaction.

Negatives

Once again, Havertz faced challenges in the forward position, and Arsenal should have taken the lead before being reduced to 10 men. Their discipline, now totaling 19 red cards under Arteta’s management, nearly proved detrimental. It is unlikely that a similar red card will be issued in such a context this season, particularly since VAR did not intervene to reverse the decision.

Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Mikel Arteta, 8 — In challenging circumstances, sometimes the priority is to hold on. Arteta likely preferred not to alter his strategy following Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal, yet he made the appropriate decisions, and the celebrations at the conclusion of the match highlighted the significance of this victory.

Player ratings

GK David Raya, 7 — Made a crucial save to preserve Arsenal’s lead late in the match and demonstrated his quickness off the line to avert potential threats.

DF Myles Lewis-Skelly, 4 — Received a red card for “serious foul play” in the 43rd minute after a tackle on Matt Doherty just outside the Wolves box, a decision that seemed excessively harsh.

MF Ethan Nwaneri, 7 — The 18-year-old performed well, as he typically does, with few mistakes to note.

FW Leandro Trossard, 7 — The Gunners missed opportunities to benefit from his precise deliveries, as Havertz failed to capitalize on the chances presented to him.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 6 — He was lively and quick, delivering several crosses and consistently posing a threat to the opposition.

ST Kai Havertz, 5 — It was a disappointing performance for the German forward, who squandered at least three good opportunities, intensifying calls for the Gunners to pursue another striker.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 7 — An exception is made for his rating, as the Italy international came on in the 74th minute to play left-back and scored the decisive goal!

DF Kieran Tierney, 6 — He had little time to make a significant impact after coming on for Martinelli in the 87th minute.

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 — Although he did not score his usual goal from a set piece, the Brazilian defender maintained a solid defensive presence.

DF William Saliba, 6 — Returning from injury, Saliba proved his value by contributing to a clean sheet with several crucial interceptions.

DF Jurriën Timber, 6 — The Dutch international does not pose the same attacking threat as Ben White on the right flank and occasionally appears injury-prone, but he performed reliably.

MF Declan Rice, 8 — With Martin Odegaard absent, Arsenal felt his absence in breaking down defenses, but Rice stepped up, delivering effective set pieces and driving the team forward from midfield.

MF Thomas Partey, 8 — A standout performer for Arsenal, his tenacity and experience in midfield were vital in maintaining stability while down a player, and his adaptability was essential in covering various areas of the pitch.

MF Ethan Nwaneri, 7 — The 18-year-old played a solid game, consistently demonstrating his reliability.