Riccardo Calafiori’s Goal Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive

Cataleya

January 26, 2025 · 1 min read

Riccardo Calafiori’s Goal Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive
FootBall | January 26, 2025
Riccardo Calafiori netted the winner for Arsenal following Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card. (Image: Getty)

Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive goal helped 10-man Arsenal secure a Premier League win at Wolves, despite a controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Referee Michael Oliver’s first-half decision to send off the 18-year-old after he fouled Matt Doherty near the halfway line stunned Arsenal. The red card made Lewis-Skelly the third youngest player to be sent off in Premier League history, behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Despite the setback, Arsenal showed resilience, staying six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who had won 4-1 against Ipswich. Riccardo Calafiori, who came on as a substitute at halftime, scored a low finish in the 74th minute to give Arsenal the win. Myles-Skelly’s red card in the 43rd minute sparked the only real moment of excitement in a dull first half with Wolves fans protesting against the club’s owners over their team’s struggles.

Joao Gomes also saw red for Wolves in the second half but his dismissal had little impact on the match. Despite being a man down, Arsenal maintained control with goalkeeper David Raya making a key save to deny Matheus Cunha. Arsenal’s win while overshadowed by the red card controversy was crucial to keep them in the title race.

Meanwhile, Wolves’ struggles continued with fans increasingly frustrated with the club’s direction under owner Fosun. Chants against the owners echoed throughout the match with supporters demanding better investment instead of selling star players. Wolves now sit just above the relegation zone, seven points behind Everton and face a battle for survival with Southampton and other teams.