For sure Liverpool were never going to lose at home to Ipswich (and they didn't), so Arsenal had to win at Molieneux to at least maintain a bit of pressure on the league leaders. This win however for the Gunners was a hard fought victory as it wasn't gotten on a platter of gold. Playing with 10 men since first half was no easy task but somehow the Gunners were able to get the crucial win against Wolves courtesy of a Ricardo Calafiori brilliance .
There's something about Michael Oliver and Arsenal at Molineux. Remember when Gabriel Martinelli received his marching orders from Oliver having received two yellow cards in the same sequence?
Arsenal fans have had a beef against the official ever since, and he wouldn't have entered any of the Gooners' good books after he dismissed bright teenager Lewis-Skelly on Saturday afternoon.
The whole stadium expected yellow once Doherty collapsed to the turf, but Oliver went one further and sent Lewis-Skelly off. The challenge was cynical, no doubt, but the fact Doherty was caught by Lewis-Skelly's studs above the ankle allowed VAR to stick with the on-field decision. It supposedly met the 'serious foul play' threshold.
Would anyone have batted an eyelid had Lewis-Skelly been cautioned? Gomes' second yellow card challenge was nastier!. The inconsistency of Epl refs and their officiating keeps getting worse as the season progresses.
Feeling aggrieved, Arsenal didn't cave at the start of the second half, starting the stronger of the two sides as captain on the day Gabriel came close before Declan Rice stung Sa's palms. However, it didn't take long for Wolves to gain the upper hand with a man advantage as Matheus Cunha's influence increased. The Brazilian came close to opening the scoring from a set-piece.
However, Wolves' momentum was sapped after Joao Gomes' dismissal levelled up the playing field. Arsenal immediately took advantage and broke the deadlock with the contest heading towards the final 15 minutes. Half-time substitute Calafiori crashed the box and scored his second goal for the club with a cultured finish into the corner.
As the final whistle blew, Arsenal celebrated a hard-fought victory that not only bolstered their momentum in the league but also served as a testament to their character, especially when faced with adversity. This match not only highlighted their determination but also reignited the hopes of the fans in the title race, as they continue to keep pace with Liverpool.
Personally I don't see a Liverpool slip up but if it happens I wonder if the Gunners can seize the opportunity to go and stay on top of the premier league summit . Only time can tell I guess .