It was a tight and cagey affair at Molineux, but ten-man Arsenal were able to fend off late pressure to secure a vital win against Wolves.
The Gunners were dominant in the first half, but Myles Lewis-Skell y received a straight red card for what looked like a trip on Matt Doherty.
Wolves forced a few good saves out of David Raya as the hosts looked to utilise their extra man. However, Joao Gomes’ second yellow card in the 70th minute was a huge turning point in a tight encounter.
Riccardo Calafiori scored the winner just four minutes later and t he Gunners held on for a vital three points.
Arsenal remain in second place but Mikel Arteta's side will be delighted to maintain the six-point gap to leaders Liverpool after what looked like a potential defeat at the interval.
Here are the player ratings from the game:
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Arsenal player ratings
David Raya – 7
The Spaniard was excellent when called upon, making a vital save from Matheus Cunha in the second half. Raya will be pleased to keep back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since before Christmas.
Was unfortunate to be sent off for a challenge that seemed to be worthy of nothing more than a yellow card. Lewis-Skelly was linking up well with Leandro Trossard before his dismissal.
Gabriel Magalhães – 8
The central defender was solid as usual and did not put a foot wrong. His ariel dominance proved vital when the hosts ramped up the pressure.
William Saliba – 7
Another flawless performance by Saliba as the Frenchman kept Wolves’ frontline quiet for most of the game.
Jurrien Timber – 7
The versatile defender stepped up when Lewis-Skelly departed the field. Timber covered every inch of the right-hand side and was brilliant both defensively and in attack when called upon.
Thomas Partey – 7
Partey, back in his preferred midfield position, was the engine of the Arsenal team at Molineux. The experienced Ghanian made a series of key tackles and interceptions to break up Wolves’ attacks.
Declan Rice – 8
Rice continued his run of impressive form. The former West Ham midfielder was everywhere on the pitch and his ball-carrying was superb. Rice created the most chances out of anyone on the pitch and a better touch would have seen him score early on.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Nwaneri was unlucky to be the casualty of the red card but when he was on the pitch, he was one of the bright sparks in the Arsenal team. The 17-year-old made a few good runs and was skilful in tight areas.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Not the best display from Trossard but was solid out of possession when the Gunners went down to ten men. The Belgium international failed to test Nelson Semedo on the Wolves right flank.
Kai Havertz – 6
After two goals in two games, Havertz was back in goalscoring form but perhaps proved again today why the Gunners need a striker. The German missed a great chance in the first half as his close-range effort was well-saved by Jose Sa.
Martinelli was moved back onto the right side of Arsenal’s attack and it was his weak-footed cross that led to the away side’s winning goal. The Brazilian winger was the best of the Gunners’ attacking players.
Substitutes:
The Italian defender put in a solid showing after he was brought on at half-time and his drilled effort found the bottom corner and won Arsenal the three points. The former Bologna defender was also tidy defensively and showed some grit when the Gunners were forced to sit in late on.
Kieran Tierney – N/A
The Scotsman was brought on to see out the game and only played for seven minutes.
