“Although I was humbled but I’ve never faced such defender in my whole professional career”: Man City striker Erling Haaland names ONE Arsenal’s player who humbled him today
Had Arsenal not been successful in their appeal of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s recent red card, the youngster wouldn’t have even been available against Manchester City.
But with Riccardo Calafiori waiting on the bench, Mikel Arteta opted to start Lewis-Skelly in one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season to date.
Had Arsenal not endured such a significant injury crisis this season, Lewis-Skelly might still be waiting for his chance in truth, an 18-year-old who has been fast-tracked out of necessity.
Such has been his success, Arsenal are handing Lewis-Skelly a new contract, a midfielder turned full-back who really does have the world at his feet, delivering performances that England manager Thomas Tuchel won’t be able to ignore.
Of course, Lewis-Skelly scored Arsenal’s third goal in their rampant 5-1 win against City on Sunday evening, a performance which Thierry Henry absolutely adored.
Thierry Henry amazed by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s goal in 5-1 win over Man City
Speaking on Sky Sports after the win, Henry was watching Lewis-Skelly’s goal alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.
Henry began his praise of the Hale End graduate by saying ‘I just love him’, a message that will be echoed around north London as fans travel home.
Lewis-Skelly has the ability and the passion to match, a character who has immediately won the hearts of all wearing red in N5.
Praising the left-back, Henry said: “I just love him, really, first and foremost because he is one of our own, as they were singing the whole time in the second half.
“But the way he took the ball, swivelled with his right foot – always controlling the ball with his furthest leg, then he believes, he makes everyone believe that he might take a shot on his left and then goes on right foot.
“I like the goal, and I enjoyed even more the celebration, why not? Why not? He can celebrate right? Some people copy celebrations.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly mocks Erling Haaland after scoring against Man City
Whilst some might choose to bizarrely criticise Lewis-Skelly for his celebration, it was one that was well received by home fans at the Emirates Stadium at least.
Erling Haaland seems able to handle the jousting match he’s begun with Arsenal’s players, one that he’ll still hope to have the last laugh in.
But for now, Arsenal have all the bragging rights, and a lot of them belong to an 18-year-old.
Lewis-Skelly was superb, as was his even younger partner Ethan Nwaneri, who continues to prove that he can be just as good as Bukayo
