The cards could not have been stacked more heavily in Arsene Wenger's favour as his side aimed to reclaim their place among the Premier League's top four, yet Arsenal's year from hell had another nasty surprise up its sleeve.
This was billed as the day when skipper Robin van Persie had history in his sights as he eyed Alan Shearer's record of 36 Premier League goals in a calendar year, with the added bonus of Chelsea and Liverpool's failure to win their Boxing Day matches seemingly paving the way for the Gunners' return to the top four.
Such an upbeat finish to 2011 appeared to be improbable for much of a year that has seen this club constantly dazed by a series of hammer blows, yet it seemed as if the black mist that has clouded Wenger's annus horribilis was beginning to clear for a remodelled Arsenal before Wolves pulled the rug out from under their feet once again.
A world-class display by Wolves 'keeper Wayne Hennessey earned his side a point after a below-par Arsenal were given a huge helping hand by the latest lamentable refereeing performance from Stuart Attwell, but the truth was that Arsenal lacked the killer touch to put their 10-man opponents to bed.
An eighth-minute Gervinho goal should have paved the way for the floodgates to open for Wenger's side, but an equaliser from Steven Fletcher seven minutes before half-time proved to be the final scoring action of a game that was captivating despite its lack of quality.
Hennessey's sublime display between the sticks meant that Wolves deserved their point after hapless official Attwell sent off Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas for a challenge on Mikel Arteta that was barely worthy of a free-kick, never mind a card, 15 minutes from time. The setback would not deny McCarthy's warriors and, as ever, his press briefing was loaded with dry wit and humour as he attempted to give his overview of a game that saw his side defy the odds once more.
"It was never a red card so long as I have a hole in my bum," was McCarthy's typically forthright offering on the red card incident. "I've not spoken to the referee, but I will because Milijas' foot is on the ground, he gets his foot on the ball and clearly the official was affected by the pressure of the moment. We will appeal it obviously.
"Taking that decision into account, I feel pride and delight at this performance. Wayne Hennessey produced another fantastic performance, but that should not surprise anyone as he is one the best keepers in the Premier League. He gets a bit too much work playing at the back of our team, but he does it job so well.
"It's a great point for us and Arsenal must be devastated. Held to a point by lowly Wolves at home, how bad must they feel? It must be terrible for them. Our performance meant we deserved a point."
It was always likely to be impossible for Wenger to find a miracle cure for a side that sank to unimaginable depths of despair in 2011, yet as the year that pushed him to the very brink edges towards a conclusion, some perspective needs to be sprinkled on this disappointing result.
While relying on Van Persie's goals has proved to be a successful gameplan for Wenger in recent months, the talisman of this team had a rare off-day against Wolves and yet his boss is not ready to hit the panic button any answer the calls from fans for him to re-sign club legend Thierry Henry on a temporary loan deal from MLS side New York Red Bulls.
"There are no further developments with Henry and I don't expect there to be any in the near future," was Wenger's response to questions about a possible return for his greatest ever recruit and yet, on this evidence, the temporary signing of such an iconic figure can only help the Gunners.
Van Persie looked laboured when trying to convert the chances that came his way against a dogged Wolves, with Wenger conceding his opponents were worthy of the point they toasted with glee.
"I give credit to Wolves because they battled hard, fought for every ball and their keeper was exceptional," added Wenger. "The frustration for us is that we have missed a great opportunity to make up ground on the teams ahead of us and that is difficult to accept.
"At 1-0 up, we became a little too comfortable. We lost our way, an got caught out. The keeper played the game of his life, they fought like mad and well done to them. If you play that game 20 times, we will win 19 and draw one. Sadly this was the day we couldn't afford to slip up, but we did."
McCarthy's ambitions for 2012 could not be easier to define: survival in the Premier League is his sole target. Arsenal's ambitions for the New Year, on the other hand, are a little more complex to comprehend.
Convincing the sceptics that fourth spot in the league should be hailed as success for Arsenal this season will be a hard sell, but this stalemate provided further evidence that the second phase of the biggest revolution he has undertaken as Gunners boss may take a little longer than some might appreciate.
If a remodelled Arsenal bounce back from their nightmares of 2011 to claim a top four finish and enjoy half-decent runs in the Champions League and FA Cup, Wenger would have every right to label this season a triumph.
Anything more impressive would exceed reasonable expectations.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Hennessey
The Wolves keeper pulled off a series of spectacular saves as he kept his side in the game. This was a world-class performance.
ARSENAL VERDICT
They need to set their targets at realistic levels, with fourth place in the league a viable goal for 2012. The re-signing of club legend Thierry Henry would provide a welcome, temporary lift and Wenger should consider pushing a deal through.
WOLVES VERDICT
The Wolves fans who questioned whether their team was playing for their manager a few weeks back needed to be here at Emirates Stadium to witness this display. Oozing with passion and character, this was a Mick McCarthy team cut from his own soul. It was stirring stuff, especially after they were reduced to ten men.
ATTWELL NIGHTMARE
Trouble seems to follow this ref with annoying consistency and he was centre of attention again in North London. He lost control of the game in the second half and confirmed as much when he got in Van Persie's way as he attempted to take a free kick.
Source: Kevin Palmer, ESPN Soccernet on 27 Dec 11
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