Football

THE 10 men of Arsenal overcame the 12, and then 11, of Wolves to keep their title challenge alive with a Riccardo Calafiori winner.That is how it must feel for Mikel Arteta, his players, every Gooner and most unbiased observers after referee Michael Oliver made one of the worst decisions ever seen.Riccardo Calafiori sealed a dramatic win for 10-man Arsenal at WolvesCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off but Wolves later went to 10 men tooCredit: PAOliver confirmed his status as Arsenal’s least favourite official when he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half.Against all common sense ,Oliver ruled the teenager’s cynical trip on Matt Doherty 30 yards from the Wolves goal to be violent conduct.Somehow VAR let the call stand.But Arteta’s team channelled their fury. And shortly after Oliver made it 10 v 10 by sending Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes off for a second yellow card, Calafiori scored what could turn out to be a vital goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Italian had come on at half time to replace Lewis-Skelly at left back so it felt like justice of a sort that he turned the ball in neatly after Nelson Semedo’s poor header from a Gabriel Martinelli cross.But the Arsenal fans who abused Oliver and accused him of making the game all about him will nor forget his latest intervention.Oliver and Arsenal have history.On this same ground in February 2022, the referee booked Gabriel Martinelli twice in quick succession for blocking a throw-in and then immediately committing a foul.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThen earlier in this campaign, he showed Leandro Trossard a second yellow card against Manchester City for kicking the ball away.But this was arguably the worst decision of them all and could have proved so costly for the Gunners.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesArteta had enough problems anyway.He welcomed back William Saliba and Ethan Nwaneri for their first starts since injury, but found himself without captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.The Spaniard had picked up an unspecified knock while Odegaard had been sent back to London because of illness after travelling to the West Midlands with the team.Wolves started nervously at the back, almost presenting Arsenal with chances to score.Yet it was the home side who threatened first.Captain Nelson Semedo’s charge down the right and cross deserved better than Pablo Sarabia volleying the ball over the crossbar.Lewis-Skelly was given a red just before half-timeThe left-back blocked Matt Doherty despite Wolves breaking just outside their own penalty areaAfter that it was all Arsenal.Leandro Trossard sent in tempting crosses for Kai Havertz twice. The German sent his first header wide but seemed to have got the second right, angling it back across Jose Sa.But the Wolves goalkeeper kept the ball out with his right leg, probably more by luck than judgement.Nwaneri wasted a good sight of goal from a free kick 20 yards out but little more happened until Oliver’s moment of madness.As Wolves tried to break after a poor Declan Rice corner, Lewis-Skelly brought down Matt Doherty with a cynical trip about 30 yards out..Yellow card, all day long.Arsenal were left totally miffed by the red cardCredit: PAMichael Oliver was not for turning despite Arsenal’s protestsCredit: GettyNot in Oliver’s world. Out came the red, and Arsenal went ballistic.There was no way Lewis-Skelly had denied a goalscoring opportunity, even without taking into account it was Doherty who was fouled.Yet the PGMOL’s explanation that the young Arsenal star wasa guilty of serious foul play was simply nonsense. The challenge was not high, nor was their excessive force or serious danger to Doherty.VAR Darren England should have told Oliver to think again. But England was the man guilty of the worst error with the technology in Premier League history, when he and his team failed to correct an offside call against Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in the game against Tottenham in September 2023.Jurrien Timber was booked for his protests and the away fans let Oliver know exactly what they thought of him. You could only have sympathy.Arteta sent on Riccardo Calafiori for Nwaneri at half time to rebalance his team.Joao Gomes ended up getting sent off 20 minutes from timeCredit: ReutersThe ace was left with his head in his hands after the decisionCredit: PAThe Arsenal supporters were soon singing, “Michael Oliver, it’s all about you”.Their team were equally defiant, pinning Wolves back after the break and Rice stung Sa’s hands with a rasping shot.At the other end, Hwang Hee-Chan, who had replaced the injured Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, tested David Raya with an effort from distance.Then Sarabia could only divert a cross wide. It became end to end stuff.Havertz headed a Rice free kick over the bar, then Raya made an acrobatic stop from Matheus Cunha.And from the resulting corner, alleged Arsenal target Cunha could only shoot wide when the ball fell to him just outside the six-yard box.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ACalafiori struck in the 74th minute for the visitorsCredit: GettyIt proved to be the winning strike at MolineuxCredit: APThen things got interesting. Joao Gomes fouled Timber unnecessarily in the Arsenal penalty area and was shown a second yellow card. 10 v 10, Game very much on.The inevitable soon happened.Martinelli curled in a cross and Semedo’s header dropped to Calafiori, who turned it in on the half volley with the kind of poise you don’t expect from a defender.The Arsenal players ran to celebrate with Arteta, his backroom team and the substitutes, all of them knowing how important a goal it was.It felt like Wolves had blown their chance, and so it proved.Rayan Ait-Nouri burst through on the break but Raya came out to make a decent save.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Arsenal goalkeeper dealt easily with a Cunha effort.And the Gunners pulled off an against-the-odds, against-the-referee victory that could yet inspire them to overhaul leaders Liverpool. More

SO were you watching Arend Slot? Was this display from your son’s machine exciting enough for you?Some, like the Liverpool manager’s dad, have moaned that the team that commands the Premier and Champions League are somehow boring, such as the midweek 2-1 win over Lille.Mo Salah hails his landmark goal as Liverpool strolled to victoryCredit: ReutersDominik Szoboszlai drilled the Reds in front early onCredit: EPAAs Jurgen Klopp’s successor revealed, Slot Snr is one of those who don’t think the Reds are exciting enough at times.Yet here was a side that is beginning to look unstoppable, hungry for glory, and taking nothing, at all, for granted, even against opponents arriving at Anfield struggling to stay up, wounded by a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of champions Manchester City in their previous game.There might have been the tendency to take it easy against them, an arrogance, even, that could have been created by Liverpool’s standing on the two main stages of the game.Not a bit of it. By half time they were three ahead and cruising, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo guaranteeing victory for a team that had already gone 17 Prem games without defeat and had lost only twice all season in all competitions.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLThe first two of those strikes were superb. The entertainment level high, even against the lowly Tractor Boys.This was the first of six games in 18 days in four different competitions for Liverpool but if Slot might be worried about that work load he needn’t have bothered at least for this one.Ipswich didn’t lay a glove on them, in their shell from the start, damage limitation the only thing on their minds.Slot’s men now head to his home country for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven and can cement top spot there.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThen it’s Bournemouth on Saturday, Tottenham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals and that 18-day stint finishes with the Merseyside derby.Nobody would bet against them adding a further three wins following this turkey-shoot for it it’s the energy and industry that is so impressive about Slot’s machine.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchIt’s the hunger and desire.True enough there is the majesty of Salah, the brilliant eye for goal of currently injured Diogo Jota, the cunning of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and the sheer, purring class of Virgil van Dijk.Add to that lot visionary passing from Trent Alexander-Arnold and the occasional, explosive finishing of Darwen Nunez when he’s in the mood and how could it really ever be boring?Mix the magic with the work rate and you have a heady cocktail for success.And as things stand the Kop could get drunk on it.They feared that after Slot turned down the speakers on Klopp’s heavy metal football the mood music would be about a Dutchman trying to stick his finger in the dyke of despondence following the German icon’s exit.But while they are still not exactly dancing in the aisles of Anfield they are watching a side more measured and if anything, more certain as opposed to the drama days of Klopp.As Slot insists, and no doubt to his dad as well, his team don’t play “stupid” balls just to make themselves look good.They play clever football instead, as seen in the 11th minute as they ripped through Kieran McKenna’s side.Ibrahima Konate fired forward for Szoboszlai to cut in ahead of Kalvin Phillips – whatever happened to him? – then steady himself before planting his left footer beyond Christian Walton.Ipswich weren’t helped midway through the first half when defender West Burns dropped to the turf in agony after twisting his knee in a challenge on Gakpo.Szoboszlai celebrates his 11th-mintue breakthrough for LiverpoolCredit: EPACody Gakpo made it 3-0 shortly before half-timeCredit: EPAA long spell of treatment later he was stretchered off and by the 35th minute Salah was claiming his 23rd goal of the campaign.His finish was fabulous, exciting, even as he gathered Gakpo’s cross at the far post with his right foot then smashed in between goalie Walton and his near post high into the net.Only Mo would have thought of doing that from an angle that looked an impossible one.A minute from the break Gakpo, another revelation this season after a far quieter time under Klopp, profited from another scintillating move.Ryan Gravenberch moved forward to deliver a low cross and Szobozslai connected first time.Walton parried but only straight into the path of the Gakpo who couldn’t miss.The fourth, and Gakpo’s second came as a result of one of those fizzing crosses that has made him Real Madrid’s No 1 target as his contract runs down.Once that 66th minute power header went in Anfield was in party mode, Slot was being serenaded and quite of a few of those who have been taking to social media to slag off him and the team should have been feeling ashamed of themselves.READ MORE SUN STORIESJacob Greaves produced a late diving header and no, this wasn’t a 6 – 0 slaughter.But it WAS entertainment all the way. Maybe even Arend enjoyed it this time.Salah netted his 100th Anfield Prem goal amid a first-half rampageCredit: EPA More

MARK CHAPMAN led fury and amazement from fans as Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off after one of the “worst decisions ever”.The Arsenal midfielder was just outside his own area when he cynically tripped Matt Doherty and saw red in a 1-0 win at Wolves. This red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly sparked outrageCredit: GettyMany observers reckon the tackle was cynical but never worth a red cardPuzzled viewers at first wondered if Lewis-Skelly was dismissed for denying a clear scoring chance – even though it was so far out.But a Premier League statement later clarified VAR had checked for “serious foul play” – with referee Michael Oliver’s decision upheld.Chapman, who will share duties as BBC Match of the Day host, called the decision “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Beeb 5Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen 😩 Jheez lol”One fan posted: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.”Another hit out just as strongly.He said: “I don’t say this lightly, but I think that red card for Lewis-Skelly is the worst decision I’ve ever witnessed at a football stadium.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother observer wrote: “It’s outrageous. If it was close to Arsenal goal or even near the half way line I could maybe accept but that is a terrible decision.”And one viewer said: “As much as I dislike them (Arsenal)… a horrible decision from the ref! Mad how that’s been given.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesThe Prem statement read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Gunners’ players protested furiously to ref Michael OliverCredit: GettySpeaking after full-time, boss Arteta admitted he was “fuming” over the red card.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.” More

ARSENAL players and fans have been left raging after Myles Lewis-Skelly was surprisingly sent off.The 18-year-old was given a red card for a foul on Wolves star Matt Doherty after 43 minutes.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Matt DohertyThe youngster tripped him up as Wolves launched a counter attackCredit: PAArsenalCredit: AFPThe hosts had just defended a corner from the Gunners when they looked to break away on the counter-attack.Doherty sprinted away with the ball and was cynically tripped up by Lewis-Skelly.Most expected him to be given a yellow card, but he was instead given a red by referee Michael Oliver.Leandro Trossard and Gabriel led the complaints, sprinting up to the official to protest.They were then joined by William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice, who waved his arms in huge frustration.Following a VAR check, the refs decided to stick with the on-field decision and Lewis-Skelly trudged off the pitch.He looked perplexed as headed down the tunnel and argued with the fourth official on his way.Manager Mikel Arteta also looked displeased but pointed to his head, encouraging his players to not lose their temper.Most read in FootballThe Premier League have released a statement explaining the red card, saying: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Arsenal fans have slammed the farcical decision online, with one saying: “I don’t say this lightly, but I think that red card for Lewis-Skelly is the worst decision I’ve ever witnessed at a football stadium. “I’m completely baffled how that has been cleared by VAR. It’s the classic ‘good’ yellow card you take to cynically stop a counter.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

WES BURNS has been stretchered off after suffering a worrying injury during Ipswich’s clash with Liverpool.The Tractor Boys star, 30, required lengthy treatment following a challenge with Cody Gakpo.Wes Burns required lengthy treatment on the pitchCredit: ReutersThe Tractor Boys stalwart was stretchered offCredit: EPABurns went down 25 minutes into the match with what SunSport understands is a knee injury, as medical staff rushed on to give him treatment.Following five minutes of treatment he was replaced by Ben Johnson.Burns has made 18 Premier League appearances for Kieran McKenna’s side this term.He joined Ipswich from Fleetwood in 2021 and has played a major role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBurns has played 144 times for the Tractor Boys, scoring 28 goals.Prior to Burns’ injury, Liverpool had taken the lead courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai.Mo Salah then doubled their advantage on 41 minutes.And Gakpo made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.Most read in FootballPlenty of supporters have wished Burns well on social media.One wrote: “Wishing him the best in his recovery!”Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town While a second posted: “Speedy recovery Wes Burns.”A third added: “Hopefully not too serious!” More