Calafiori strike settles feisty clash for Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori was the hero as Arsenal stayed within six points of the Premier League summit with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, in a feisty game that featured a red card for each team.
The Gunners had Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off for a clumsy challenge on Matt Doherty late in the first half, giving Vitor Pereira's strugglers hope of a much-needed win.
The momentum seemed to be with them around the hour mark, but David Raya produced a full-stretch save to deny Matheus Cunha moments before the Brazilian prodded wide when unmarked at the far post.
Joao Gomes then received a second yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Jurrien Timber high up the pitch, giving Arsenal the impetus to press for a winner.
Wolves could not hold out as Calafiori was on hand to tuck a left-footed finish beyond the reach of Jose Sa in the 74th minute, dealing the hosts a fourth straight league defeat and leaving them only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Arsenal, meanwhile, remains six points behind leader Liverpool, which thrashed 18th-placed Ipswich Town 4-1 in its match.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wasn't entirely happy with things after the win, though, furious with the referee's decision to send off his player.
"I am absolutely fuming, but I leave it with you, because it is that obvious. I don't think my words are going to help," he said.
Asked if Arsenal would appeal the decision, Arteta said: "That's for the club to decide what the best decision is.
"I think it's that obvious, maybe we don't even need to."
