Califiori was the difference in the end, with his technically unstoppable strike. What a class act! He came on as substitute and made a huge difference. I wish he was still in my FPL Draft team but somebody snapped him up.
The second half performance was a big improvement on the first. Wolves away is not the best place for inexperienced teenagers, so it was no surprise that Nwanieri got hooked.
Rice was particularly impressive, but once again VAR and the referee stole the show. Eventually, Gomes got sent off, but just half time he kicked the ball away and did not receive a yellow card. How is that possible? If an Arsenal player does it, the letter of the law must be followed. When an opponent does it, a different set of rules apply. Everyone wants consistency except teams that benefit from bias. It's about time VAR was shown the red card: it's destroying the game!
When Gomes did get sent off it was considered a second yellow card, although he stamped on Timber's foot. It must have hurt a lot, but apparently it's not as dangerous as a glancing challenge with studs showing above the ankle. Timber was hopping around afterwards, but he could play on, so it wasn't a serious injury. Nevertheless, Gomes went out to injure the Dutchman. It should have been a straight red. If the officials can't see that, then the need to work in a different industry.
With VAR and the referee against them, Arsenal had to work really hard for this victory, which they thoroughly deserved. It wasn't a vintage performance, but Raya was sharp when called upon and Saliba and Gabriel were mostly solid.
Cunha had a couple of chances, but only hit the target once. He looks a decent attacking midfielder, with half of Neymar's talent and twice his ego. I hope Arsenal don't sign him. His attitude towards Hwang, when he passed the ball behind him instead of in front of him to run on to smacked of extreme arrogance and incompetence at the same time. What a terrible combination. If he thinks that was a good pass he has a football brain bypass, but I must admit he does possess some technical skill.
Anyway, Arsenal can't rely on teenagers to get them over the line. Lewis-Skelly and Nwanieri are promising, but the Gunners need to get the cheque book out. If they don't bring in the right players, they won't win the league, that's for sure. Nevertheless, they deserve the plaudits for a gutsy performance against the odds.
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