Arsenal fans defend Calafiori after involvement in late Wolves equaliser | OneFootball

Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers last night in the Premier League, as the Gunners lost valuable momentum in the title race – with just a two point lead if Manchester City win their game in hand.

Riccardo Calafiori was at the centre of much of the drama yesterday evening, coming on as a late substitute for an injured Leandro Trossard before being involved in the stoppage-time equaliser that gave Wolves a prideful point against the league leaders.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

After a mix-up between goalkeeper David Raya and centre-back Gabriel, Wolves youngster Edozie was quickest to react and fired a shot goalwards.

The shot flew past Raya, before bouncing off Gabriel and onto the post, before bouncing back into the goalmouth, off Calafiori, and over the line.

Initially the goal was credited as a Calafiori own goal before it was given to Edozie in the end.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: John McGinn of Aston Villa and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

In fairness, there was not much that the Italian could have done – his body weight was already where it was and much of the blame can be placed on Gabriel and Raya for their mix-up which allowed the chance to materialise in the first place.

And Arsenal fans have leapt to the Italian’s defence on social media.

Arsenal fans react to Calafiori

“I actually felt really sorry for Calafiori last night,” one user wrote on X, “his face said it all and he did everything he could to stop that goal.”

“Leave Riccardo Calafiori out of this,” said another, “it’s between David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Arteta.”