Calafiori hailed as 'best left-back in Premier League' after Arsenal winner
Quick summary
Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has been praised as the best left-back in the Premier League following his winning goal for Arsenal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceItaly 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.”
“Absolutely fantastic”
“The best left-back in the league”
Jamie Carragher praises Riccardo Calafiori’s for his influence in Arsenal’s winner against Chelsea pic.twitter.com/YYhwJ1bKsv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
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.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori received high praise after scoring a decisive winner for the Gunners. The former Bologna player, who joined Arsenal in the summer, continues to establish himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta's squad. His performance has drawn acclaim from Italian football circles, with the 22-year-old being singled out for his defensive quality and attacking contribution from the left flank.
Chance analysis
Riccardo Calafiori's emergence as a high-impact left-back reinforces Arsenal's growing depth on the flank, a position the club targeted specifically during the summer window. Praise from within the Italian national team setup carries weight, as it signals that the defender is now viewed among the elite in his role in England's top flight. For Arsenal, having a player who contributes both defensively and with decisive goals adds a different dimension to their title challenge.
Calafiori's standout form boosts Arsenal's left-flank output and strengthens their squad depth in the Premier League title race.