Why Arsenal win at Wolves was bigger for Mikel Arteta than beating Tottenham | OneFootball

Manner of victory at Molineux could have huge positive long-term repercussions in the title race

It doesn’t get much better for Arsenal than beating Tottenham, but Saturday’s win at Wolves felt even bigger than their victory in the north London derby two weeks ago.

Over by the away fans, Gabriel whipped his shirt off and waved it above his head in a frenzy.

Gabriel celebrates a big win for Arsenal in their bid to hunt down Premier League leaders Liverpool

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

David Raya and Declan Rice followed suit, with both of them picking out young fans in the away end to hand their shirts to.

Amid the ecstasy, the overall emotion for Arsenal and their travelling supporters will have been one of relief.

Down to 10 men for the fourth time this season after Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off just before half-time, the Gunners were staring down the barrel in the title race.

But after battling their way to a 1-0 win, Arsenal still have Liverpool in their sights.

The gap to the leaders is six points and, although Arne Slot’s side have a game in hand, their next two Premier League games are challenging trips to Bournemouth and Everton.

“I’m extremely proud of all the players,” said Arteta. “You can talk about our courage, you can talk about the spirit, but as well about intelligence. The way the players managed emotionally the game, it was unbelievable.

These three points were vital for Arsenal in the title race, but the manner in which they were earned made them even more valuable.

A resounding victory can breed confidence, however grinding out a win like this one over Wolves is just as uplifting.

Riccardo Calafiori, here hugging William Saliba, secured three crucial points for Arsenal with a brilliant half-volley

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

This was the fourth time this season Arsenal have been reduced to 10 men in the Premier League.

On the previous three occasions, they dropped points. But this time they found a way to get over the line thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s brilliant finish.

Calafiori, on as a half-time substitute, was one of several players to stand out.

Rice was tireless in midfield, driving Arsenal forward time and time again.

At the back, Gabriel and William Saliba gave Wolves nothing to feed off other than two efforts from Matheus Cunha.

In attack, Kai Havertz missed chances but his overall game was impressive. He gave Arsenal a focal point and linked play. At the end of the game, he collapsed on the pitch and physios had to help him up.

It was a sight that sums up where Arsenal are right now. The squad is incredibly stretched and on Saturday they had two goalkeepers and four left-backs on the bench.

Arsenal are working to bring in a new forward, while they are also keen on signing Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan.

A gap in the calendar is also around the corner after the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle a week on Wednesday.

Before that, Arsenal travel to Girona this week in the Champions League and host Manchester City in a huge game at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arteta’s squad could, understandably, be running on fumes by the time they face City.

January has been a brutal month, with nine games in total.

But Saturday’s win at Wolves could give them the lift they need to kick on through these final games before some warm-weather training in Dubai.

Arsenal are finalising arrangements for their trip but the plan is to go away after they face Newcastle, as their next game after that is not until February 15 away at Leicester.

“It’s not easy, but games like today [against Wolves] give you energy, especially with how the fans reacted to the red card and in the second-half,” said defender Jurrien Timber.

“It gives you energy to keep going. This is our job and we love it, so that love brings us through.”