Arsenal vs Wolves: 4 Talking Points From Red Card Ruin

Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Wolves on Tuesday night, with David Luiz and Bernd Leno being brandished straight red cards either side of half-time.

With Bukayo Saka back in the side it was hoped Arsenal could pick up from where they’d left off with him in the side; namely, very strongly.

It was exactly that. Everything clicked from top the bottom with Thomas Partey running the show and Saka in an electric mood. The 19-year-old nearly opened the scoring seconds into the match only to be denied by the post, with Rui Patricio then taking it upon himself to prevent his next effort.

Carving Wolves open, the goal came in unusually individual fashion given the football on display as Nicolas Pepe pulled off two nutmegs ahead of discovering he possessed something called a right foot. The finish was superb.

Talking points as Arsenal are shown two red cards in 2-1 defeat to Wolves

David Luiz was then shown a straight red card for a foul on Willian Jose in the penalty box after Arsenal were caught napping (more on that shortly) – Ruben Neves made no mistake from the penalty spot. Neither did Joao Moutinho, who’s sublime rocket put the hosts in front after the break. Bernd Leno wrapped the points up for Wolves with his own sending off (more on that shortly).

The result brings an end to a seven-match Premier League unbeaten run for Arsenal, who miss out on the chance to temporarily move up to sixth in the table, albeit playing more games than their rivals.

Well, where do we start? Ah yes, there.

Red Cards Cost Arsenal

Let’s kick off with the first one, shall we? Well, in fact, let’s start with some lackadaisical defending at a stage where Arsenal dropped their focus expecting the half-time whistle to blow. It’s inexcusable, and shouldn’t be happening.

Now, what about the sending off? It is, categorically, wrong. Talking about refereeing performances after matches soothes no burns, nor does it right wrongs. Nobody wants to be discussing it. On this occasion, however, it’s unavoidable.

David Luiz should never have been sent off. To his actual credit (sort of…ish), he avoided going for a deliberate foul in situations where he’s been guilty so many times of opting for lunacy. Defensively Arsenal should never have been there, mind you.

Yet, he has made no effort to foul Jose. No intent at all. The ‘triple punishment’ rule was brought in to avoid this very instance. Jose’s studs graze his thigh. He doesn’t kick him.

Anyway, it’s all fine. VAR is here. That’s what it’s for; y’know, amending on-field errors.

Ah, apparently not. It is a farce and the decision also made a mockery of a system that has genuinely started showing improvements this season. Not always, but generally so.

As for Bernd Leno…well, his brain capitulated. An unthinkable error from a goalkeeper who’s been so consistent this season. More on that here.

Arsenal Produce Their Best Half of Football This Season

This is why the previous point leaves a simmering pit in the stomach: Arsenal were, up until that point, excellent.

Not even just that, the best half of football from the side this season. Each player, each movement and each phase was harmonious in its simplicity, elevated by the individual flair.

Those on the pitch have their own fortes, some have more than one, yet Tuesday saw for the first time this campaign all the players singing from the same hymn sheet.

Partey was spraying one and two touch passes in every direction; Saka had Max Kilman wanting to act out his surname; Alexandre Lacazette dropped deep with intelligence to link play; Emile Smith Rowe formed fluid triangles on either flank; Granit Xhaka pressed high and recovered possession, while Pepe has finally appeared to turn the longest corner in human history.

The interchangeability all across the pitch was a delight to behold. Words not uttered all too frequently in regards to Arsenal, they should have been three goals up.

What criticisms there are to be made are the same ones that have lingered throughout the season: Arsenal don’t take advantage of their dominance. On this occasion a lick of paint and Rui Patricio’s quick reflexes saw to that deficiency being extended.

Killing games, or at least leaving them gasping for air, has not been mastered. Three points should have been wrapped up way before the VAR debacle. This ruthlessness, or lack thereof, remains.

Arsenal Have Excellent Competition in Attack

Narratives change fast in football. One week all your forwards are hopeless and need their contracts cancelling, the next they’re undroppable.

Can a reasonable case for one of either Pepe, Saka or Lacazette being taken out of the side be drawn up? For Saka, of course not, and for the other two they’re digging their heels in well enough to join him.

Arsenal don’t have another No. 9 who operates like Lacazette, and for a player who is a confidence striker if there ever was one, his presence in the team isn’t under threat – and not just because there is no competition.

Then there is the Ivorian. The reborn Ivorian. That’s now three matches where Pepe has been one of the star performers on the pitch. Uncharted territory.

His goal was one the Pepe of two weeks ago would’ve skied, and he’s even pressing by his own accord now without the need of instruction from elsewhere. It’s as close as we’ve seen to the ‘Lille Pepe’. It’s only three games, but it’s three of his best.

Then, on the bench, there is the top scorer of the last two seasons and captain, as well as the Golden Boy and ‘New Ronaldo’. Every ideal team sheet being scribbled down by fans earlier this season would’ve had these two taking up two thirds of the front line. Look where we are now. Competition.

Not been able to say that for a while.

Despite Defeat, Arsenal Showed Fighting Spirit

From the first whistle to the last this was an Arsenal side who felt like a team. As a unit, the commitment and desire shone through despite the adversity that slapped them across the face at Molineux.

No heads dropped – apart from Leno that is, who just plain left his at home – as Wolves began dictating the game and playing keep ball. Luiz’s red card opens up a series of VAR controversy debates, meanwhile Leno’s opens up…well, the goal for Aston Villa on Saturday.

All of that aside the players still fought. Confidence was oozing from back to front. Each ball was challenged for just as each loose pass was chased after, and when 11 became ten and then ten became nine, all of that remained.

Prior to Christmas the notion of Arsenal showing such commitment would’ve been lost on supporters. It all stems from self-belief and understanding the demands of the individuals, which is a credit to the spirit within the squad and Mikel Arteta implementing his vision.

There was a point where Emile Smith Rowe was dead on his feet. Having run himself into the ground, his name was surely up next for substitution. Then the Leno incident happened, and Partey made way instead. Shattered from head to toe, Smith Rowe never gave in. It would be surprising not to see Martin Odegaard get the nod on the weekend now.

Did fighting spirit win Arsenal three points? No sir. Does it make the light bulb flicker once or twice in the dark room everyone wants to sit and sulk in after that? Yes.