Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: Michael Oliver that is SCANDALOUS! Gunners survive disgraceful Myles Lewis-Skelly red card decision thanks to Riccardo Calafiori heroics

Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: Michael Oliver that is SCANDALOUS! Gunners survive disgraceful Myles Lewis-Skelly red card decision thanks to Riccardo Calafiori heroics

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The Italian full-back’s goal gave the north Londoners a crucial win in a highly controversial clash at Molineux

Riccardo Calafiori came off the bench to score a superb winner as Arsenal claimed a crucial 1-0 win at Wolves in a feisty clash that saw both teams have a man sent off.

In a highly controversial game, it was Arsenal who were reduced to 10 men first when teenage left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly was dismissed for bringing down Matt Doherty inside the Wolves half as he looked to stop a counter-attack from the hosts.

Arsenal were unsurprisingly furious at referee Michael Oliver’s decision, which was initially believed to have been for denying a goalscoring opportunity. The Premier League later announced, however, that the 18-year-old had been sent off for serious foul play.

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Despite the dismissal, it was Arsenal who then started the second half the better with Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice all going close to giving the 10-men the lead.

And, after Wolves’ Joao Gomes had been sent off on 70 minutes after fouling Jurrien Timber and being shown his second yellow card, the visitors finally struck, with substitute Calafiori expertly guiding a half-volley across Jose Sa and into the far corner to give Mikel Arteta’s side all three points.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Molineux…

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made a good save to deny Cunha after his shot had taken a deflection and then another to keep out Rayan Ait-Nouri after he had raced clear.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Good, if not spectacular showing. Would be nice to see him getting on the overlap more to support the attacks.

William Saliba (8/10):

Back in the side and was as good as always. Won almost everything.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Had a great chance to score just after half-time, but got his shot all wrong.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

Ridiculous decision to send him off just before half-time. So harsh on the youngster who had done well up to that

Midfield

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Kept the ball moving. Solid enough display at the heart of the midfield.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Strong performance again from a player who is getting back towards his best form. Stung the hands of Sa with one powerful shot.

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

On the fringes of things in the first half and then was replaced at half-time after the red card.

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Attack

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Set up a great chance for Havertz. Looked Arsenal’s biggest threat when he got on the ball and drove forwards.

Kai Havertz (5/10):

Missed two good chances in the first half, the second of which he should really have scored from when he headed straight at Sa. Not his day.

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Put in a nice early ball which Havertz headed wide. Worked hard, but never really got a sniff of goal.

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Subs & Manager

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

On at half-time after the Lewis-Skelly red card. Superb finish to make it 1-0.

Kieran Tierney (N/A):

On as a winger for the final few minutes.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

Kept his attackers on after the red card and that allowed Arsenal to be a threat, even with 10 men. His decision to bring on Calafiori was rewarded with a goal.