Arsenal were rescued by Ricardo Calafiori’s late strike as they claimed all three points against Wolves in a breathtaking and ill-tempered affair.
The Gunners needed to win to keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table, and they came into this one full of confidence after their 3-0 over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League in midweek.
Arsenal’s best chances fell to Kai Havertz, as he flicked his first header marginally wide, and five minutes later, his second header was saved well from close range by José Sá’s outstretched leg – both from wonderful Leandro Trossard crosses.
However, just before the break, Mikel Ateta’s men suffered a setback as Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a foul on Matt Doherty.
More drama ensued as a second red card levelled the playing field when Joao Gomes was shown a second yellow for a nasty challenge.
Arsenal capitalized four minutes later through substitute Riccardo Calafiori, who struck a half-volley that found its way into the bottom corner.