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Arteta Praises Calafiori’s Heroics in Arsenal’s Hard-Fought Win Over Wolves

By on January 26, 2025

Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal  manager Mikel Arteta has showered praise on summer signing Riccardo Calafiori after his crucial goal helped the Gunners secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League clash in Gameweek 23.

The match saw Arsenal reduced to 10 men in the first half when youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off. The referee deemed his tackle on Matt Doherty reckless, a decision that has since sparked widespread criticism. Wolves, however, also finished the game with 10 men after João Gomes received a second yellow card for a rash challenge in the second half.

Despite the adversity, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. A poor-headed clearance by Nelson Semedo fell perfectly to Riccardo Calafiori, who struck the ball sweetly into the net. His goal secured all three points for the Gunners and kept their title chase alive.

Arteta’s Post-Match Reaction

Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta praised the Italian defender – who joined the club last summer in a £42m deal – highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments.

‘Like the goal against Man City! Riccy(Riccardo Calafiori) can produce these magic moments that he did today, again, it really helped the team so really glad that whoever comes in on the pitch, he has the experience to make things happen.’

The Arsenal boss also commended his team for grinding out the win despite the challenges they faced during the game.   he added and spoke on the importance of grinding out results.

‘That’s what they show us every single day and this season has been very special for many circumstances, a lot of them very challenging today. We had two again. We have Mikel out. Martin out. Still, we come here. We have to face a very difficult opponent that is fighting for relegation. We have another issue during the match. Still, we go about it. So that’s what I love about them. And I think that’s why our supporters celebrated and they were behind them because they can feel that.’

On Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card 

When asked about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s first-half red card, Arteta refrained from making direct comments on the referee’s decision but expressed hope for fairness moving forward. ‘I think it’s that obvious, we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today’ Arteta remarked.

On if the club will appeal his red card

Pressed on whether Arsenal would appeal the decision, Arteta hinted at a possibility, referencing a similar situation involving Bruno Fernandes against Tottenham. “Hopefully we don’t need to, and if we have to, it happened and it’s a really good precedent for what happened with Bruno [Fernandes] as well this season. Ok we were in a position that we shouldn’t be in but at least be in a position we should be in for the next few weeks and allow our players to continue to show up.” he said.

With the win, Arsenal maintained their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool. This win sees Arsenal reach 47 points in the league, trailing Liverpool by six points. However, the Reds still have a game in hand against Everton.

Attention now shifts to the UEFA Champions League, where the Gunners travel to Spain to face Girona in the final game of the group stage. Arteta will look to finish the group stage on a high note as Arsenal aim for European success.