Italy star Calafiori hailed as ‘best left-back in Premier League’ for Arsenal winner | OneFootball

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori was denied a goal by VAR in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, but did contribute to the winner. ‘He’s the best left-back in the Premier League.’

The former Bologna and Roma player tends to be a central defender when representing his country in the Azzurri jersey, yet is making his mark as a left-back for the Gunners.

It is precisely because of that versatility, and his tendency to surge forward through the centre from defence for Italy in tournaments like EURO 2024, that Calafiori is able to have such an impact.

Calafiori movement unusual for a left-back

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts with Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

This was appreciated by Sky Sports UK pundits, who called his movement in the build-up to the winning goal “absolutely fantastic.”

He drew away Chelsea defenders to create the space for the pass, allowing the Kai Havertz dummy and eventual Martin Odegaard goal.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal scores a goal which was later disallowed during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

In truth, Calafiori thought he had scored the equaliser too for Arsenal, soon after the early Morgan Rogers opener, when bundling over the line from close range on a chaotic set play.

However, it was disallowed by VAR due to the earlier offside position of Ezri Konsa.

Arsenal did get their equaliser later on through Havertz, before the Odegaard strike for 2-1.

Jamie Carragher hails Calafiori as “the best left-back in the league” thanks to these performances.