Arsenal, without captain Martin Odegaard face Wolves in a crunch Premier League clash as the Gunners looked to keep pace in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal dominated the first half and should have been in front before the game took a dramatic turn as Michael Oliver controversially sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Halfway through the second half, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was sent off for a second yellow card for a challenge on Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal finally made the breakthrough when defender Riccardo Calafiori struck the ball home on the half volley to secure a vital three points for Mikel Arteta.
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal appeals to referee Michael Oliver after he shows a red card during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderer…
Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves
David Raya- 7.5
Had little to do in the first half but made a stunning save from a deflected Cunha strike in the second half that kept the Gunners on level terms. A big moment in the game.
Made a late stop on Ait-Nouri as Wolves piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Arsenal’s David Raya kicks clear during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Arsenal FC at Molineux on January 25, 2025 ..
Jurrien Timber- 7.5
Gave everything down the right flank, solid in his defensive work and tried to support Martinelli in attack. Drew the foul from Joao Gomes that gave the Wolves midfielder his second yellow card.
William Saliba- 7
Not his usual calm and composed self upon return from injury. Sloppy on the ball at times and looked rushed in his decision making.
Second half was back to his commanding presence and marshalled an Arsenal back four in difficult circumstances down to ten men.
Gabriel Magalhaes- 7.5
A real captain’s performance from the Brazilian. Lead by example with some strong defending and stood strong with the side down to ten men for much of the second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly-5
Another promising performance from the youngster before his controversial red card. Lewis-Skelly can find himself extremely unfortunate to be sent off for what looked like a routine booking.
Ultimately, his tackle cost Arsenal a vital three points, which is extremely harsh on the youngster given his bright start to the game.
Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal leaves the pitch past Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal after being shown a red card during the Premier
Thomas Partey – 6.5
Neat and tidy in possession and kept a close eye on Matheus Cunha throughout the game. Broke play up at will in the second half however, did have a couple of moments being sloppy in possession at the end of the game.
Declan Rice- 7.5
Worked tremendously hard as always in both an attacking sense and covering Lewis-skelly’s ventures forward. Rice has really stepped up as a leader of this Arsenal side in recent weeks and today was no different. Superb performance.
Ethan Nwaneri- 5
Tried to pick up pockets of space but found it difficult to get on the ball and dictate at times. Substituted at half time as part of re-shuffle following Lewis-Skelly red card.
Gabriel Martinelli- 5
Looked bright in the first half with some excellent movement but failed to find a decisive final ball. Failed to get the better of his man Agbadou in the second half at a time when his team really needed him to.
Leandro Trossard- 5
Sloppy on the ball in initial stages that almost led to a sensational Wolves opener on the break but delivered two exquisite crosses that Havertz should have buried in the first half.
Set-piece deliveries were poor all afternoon, the Belgian took the corners with his left foot but failed to beat the first man on a number of occasions.
Made himself a physical presence all game long but once again his afternoon will be remembered for crucial missed opportunities. Should have scored a hat trick of headers, two in the first half from Trossard deliveries.
Havertz then headed over from just six yards following a wicked Declan Rice set-piece, he should have buried all three opportunities.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal shoots but misses the chance during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Arsenal FC at Molineux o…
What an impact from the Italian defender. Fans criticised Calafiori’s absence against Aston Villa but upon return from injury he came into the game at a difficult time for the Gunners and well and truly stepped up to the plate.
