After blowing a two-goal lead against Aston Villa last week, Arsenal looked in danger of dropping more points at Wolverhampton when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the first half while the game was scoreless.
Wolves couldn’t take advantage of the extra man and were reduced to 10 when Joao Gomes was red-carded in the 70th minute.
It took four minutes for Arsenal to capitalise, with Riccardo Calafiori hitting the winner with left-footed volley from inside the box to secure the 1-0 victory.
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However, the controversial decision left many stunned, including coach Mikel Arteta, who admitted his side were “getting used to” harsh calls go against them.
“I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you,” he said.
Arsenal players protest after their teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off. Getty
“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comment today.
“It’s our job to deal with certain things and unfortunately, we are getting used to it.”
Arteta said he is hopeful the decision will be overturned without an appeal to allow Lewis-Skelly to play in the team’s next match.
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The result keeps the Gunners in the Premier League hunt, sitting six points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
“We’re not going to give up, Arteta said.
“We’re going to face any challenge, any situation like we have done today. Whether we win or not, that is a different question.”
Elsewhere in the league, Manchester City‘s revival gathered pace after beating Chelsea 3-1 to move Pep Guardiola’s team up to fourth in the standings on Saturday.
Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Chelsea. Getty
The four-time defending champions remain 12 points behind Liverpool, but an unbeaten run in the league extended to six games after a horror run of form late last year.
“We needed it,” Guardiola said. “Emotionally, they come back incredibly well.”
Liverpool kept up its charge towards the title by thrashing Ipswich 4-1 and staying six points clear, while third-placed Nottingham Forest were thrashed 5-0 by Bournemouth.
Fifth-placed Newcastle came back from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1.
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2025-01-26 00:20:16