Despite finishing with 10 players, Arsenal beats Wolves

Arsenal defeated Wolves 1-0 at Molineux on Thursday in the English Premier League (EPL), courtesy to a Gabriel Magalhaes strike in the first half.

Despite being down a man for much of the second half, Arsenal seized the lead in the 25th minute when Gabriel prodded in from close range.

This came after a goalmouth scramble following the visitors’ corner kick.

Arsenal’s first goal in all competitions since Bukayo Saka’s goal in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on New Year’s Day.

After a fantastic team play, Saka nearly set up Alexandre Lacazette for Arsenal’s second goal right before halftime.

However, the France forward’s first-time shot was saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, and the Gunners were content with a 1-0 advantage at the interval.

Mikel Arteta’s team finished the game with 10 men after Gabriel Martinelli was issued two yellow cards in a row in the 69th minute.

It was Arsenal’s 12th red card since Arteta took over in December 2019.

This is by far the most in the Premier League over that time period, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton a distant second and third, respectively, with seven.

Despite being down a man, Lacazette found himself in on goal with just Sa to beat, but his curling effort on Wolves goal sailed just wide of the far post.

In the closing ten minutes, the hosts took advantage of the additional man and poured up the pressure on the Gunners defence.

Arsenal moved up to fifth place with 39 points from 22 games, while Wolves, who might have moved ahead of the Gunners, remained in eighth place.