Arsenal avoided losing ground in the Premier League title race with a 1-0 victory against Wolves.
Wolves were more threatening in the opening stages of the contest. Pablo Sarabia smashed a volley over the bar on a breakaway before the Gunners got their first chances to create sustained danger.
Twice, buildup sequences steered the ball to Leandro Trossard on the wing. Twice, Kai Havertz had headed opportunities in the box but missed the target before he saw José Sá save his second effort.
Close to half time, it appeared Arsenal would regret those misses. Matt Doherty dropped to the floor after contact with Myles Lewis-Skelly. Though the incident was deep in Wolves' territory, the referee chose to brandish a red card, and the visitors had to see out the second half with one fewer player.
Wolves would also go down to ten men without exploiting the extra man. Joao Gomes got a second yellow card for a stamp on Jurrien Timber. But the match would not end equal in all measures.
Only moments after that dismissal, in the 74th minute, Riccardo Calafiori connected with a cleared header to snap a half volley into the net. His second goal of the campaign claimed all three points.
Here are four things we learnt from Arsenal’s victory:
Do Arsenal have a discipline problem?
The big debate after the final whistle will be whether or not Lewis-Skelly should have seen a red card.
Mikel Arteta was adamant that the officials made an "obvious" mistake, hoping that the "right thing will happen after today." It is not the first time he has spoken on the subject of officiating this season.
Arsenal have now been victim of four red cards. That is the most that any Premier League club has received since the start of the season. This is the first time Arteta's men have overcome this obstacle to triumph, having drawn with Brighton and Man City and lost to Bournemouth in similar scenarios.
Each decision deserves attention on its own merit. Yet, they do paint a picture that strikes a chord with many fans' feelings about this season. Arsenal might not have done everything in their power to take control of their destiny since the summer, but fortune has also not favoured them more often than not.
Arsenal are crying out for attacking reinforcements
Before the start of the matchday, Wolves had the leakiest defence in the top tier. Even without Martin Ødegaard, who was ill, the Gunners could have practised some sharp shooting in the Black Country.
It would not be the day for a devastating display. Of course, Arsenal had to sacrifice some initiative after the red card but the team had the openings to punish their hosts before that incident took place.
Havertz has moved between the roles of a second striker, central forward, and midfielder without ever ending the discussion of how he can pay back his £65 million fee. This was the latest example of a performance in which he arrived in the right areas of the pitch but lacked the killer instinct to finish.
Ethan Nwaneri was back in the selection but people cannot expect him to handle the burden of revitalizing an attack alone as a 17-year-old. The January transfer window closes in just over a week. Arsenal would be wise to dip into their budget and pick out some reinforcements in the final third.
Players require rest
The trials and tribulations of January for the Gunners have been well-documented. The team have taken on eight outings across four different competitions and one more remains before the month is finally over. It is fair to say fatigue played its part in a contest that will not live long in the memory.
Mikel Merino was missing with a knock, meaning more academy players found a place in the squad. And it was only days ago that Arteta again commented on the height of the "intensity and demands" that he is putting on the players that are on the field. For now, he can be content getting over the line.
Declan Rice remains one of the biggest positives of the new year. His relentless running, presence in the final third, and clean crossing continue to carry a box-to-box threat in the middle of the park.
However, Arsenal have been in a habit of putting too much pressure on too few of their star players. As advancement in the UEFA Champions League is all but a certainty and ten days of rest comes closer into view from the fifth of February, Arteta should try to freshen up his side as best as he can.
Arsenal apply themselves for the fight
Despite all the hurdles, this victory was a testament to the fighting spirit of Arteta's men.
William Saliba, fit again following a hamstring injury, struck up his usual tag team with Gabriel in the centre of their defence. These two defenders have set the standard so often in the last year and they acted as the foundation for this success. Other players followed their example.
Havertz has his faults but application is not one of them as he fell to the floor cramping at the sound of the final whistle. Timber, too, took his wounds from Gomes before the red card and Arteta must be wary about managing a high load of minutes for the fullback after his long-term ACL injury absence.
Liverpool looked imperious in their 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. And as the weeks pass, the title might become a formality. But until that point, Arsenal must be willing to believe they can win this battle. This performance was proof of professional pride and highlights how hope has not yet died.
