Riccardo Calafiori was the hero as Arsenal stayed within six points of the Premier League summit with a 1-0 win over Wolves, in a feisty game that featured a red card for each team.

The Gunners had Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off for a clumsy challenge on Matt Doherty late in the first half, giving Vitor Pereira's strugglers hope of a much-needed win.

The momentum seemed to be with them around the hour mark, but David Raya produced a full-stretch save to deny Matheus Cunha moments before the Brazilian prodded wide when unmarked at the far post.

Joao Gomes then received a second yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Jurrien Timber high up the pitch, giving Arsenal the impetus to press for a winner.

Wolves could not hold out as Calafiori was on hand to tuck a left-footed finish beyond the reach of Jose Sa in the 74th minute, dealing the hosts a fourth straight league defeat and leaving them only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain six points behind leaders Liverpool, who thrashed 18th-placed Ipswich Town 4-1 elsewhere on Saturday. 

Data Debrief: Defenders lead the way

The travails of Arsenal's forwards have been well-documented this season, and Kai Havertz has faced particular criticism lately.

He missed three glaring chances at Molineux as Arsenal threatened to lose ground on Liverpool.

Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he has defenders capable of contributing at the sharp end of the pitch. 

Following Calafiori's winner, Arsenal have had more Premier League goals scored by defenders this season than any other side (eight). 

Wolves, meanwhile, have conceded a league-high 14 goals to defenders. They have lost their first four league games of a calendar year for just the third time, going on to be relegated in both of the previous instances (in 1906 and 1982).