Myles Lewis-Skelly stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance in Arsenal's emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City. The young midfielder delivered a standout display, scoring the Gunners' third goal and mimicking Erling Haaland's iconic meditation celebration. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, was charged with tension, stemming from previous encounters between the two clubs. Lewis-Skelly's bold performance and his cheeky celebration exemplified his confidence and played a significant role in Arsenal's decisive win.
The game was marked by intense rivalry, a continuation from the "bad blood" that emerged after Haaland's previous mockery of Lewis-Skelly at the Etihad Stadium in September. This time, it was Lewis-Skelly who had the last laugh. He dazzled spectators with a brilliant run into the box, finishing past City's goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. His decision to recreate Haaland's celebration sent a clear message, one that did not go unnoticed by Haaland himself, who seemed unsettled by the youngster's swagger throughout the match.
Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender and now a pundit, commented on Lewis-Skelly's presence on the field.
"He looks like he's going to eat him" – Gary Neville
Neville's remarks highlighted the 18-year-old’s confidence, which bordered on arrogance but was backed by an exceptional all-round performance. Lewis-Skelly's contribution was not limited to his goal; he regained possession four times in midfield, second only to William Saliba. His display of skill and assurance served as an inspiration for fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri. Nwaneri, just 17 years old, capped off the game with a goal of his own, placing one in the bottom corner with the final kick.
The match also represented a significant victory for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has been instrumental in nurturing young talents like Lewis-Skelly. Arteta praised Lewis-Skelly's ability to express himself on the field.
"He is very good at expressing – some players struggle with that" – Mikel Arteta
Arteta further elaborated on Lewis-Skelly’s impact.
"He does that in his body language, how he lives the game. He wants to make things happen, he takes initiative. At that age, it's not easy to see" – Mikel Arteta
This victory was particularly sweet for Arsenal, as it rebuffed Haaland's earlier "stay humble" comments directed at Arteta. Haaland managed only nine touches during the match and faced criticism from Thierry Henry for not doing enough to influence the game. Lewis-Skelly's performance stood as a testament to Arsenal’s refusal to be intimidated and their capability of challenging top teams.
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