sportskeeda
ARSENAL’S promising talent Myles Lewis-Skelly has expressed his desire to emulate a Gunners player who is on the way out.
The skilled 18-year-old is keen to achieve trophies this season following his contribution to the team’s 3-2 win against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Lewis-Skelly is establishing a role for himself in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup as a left back, even though he thrived as a central midfielder in The Hale End academy.
On the same day that Kieran Tierney was made available for transfer, Lewis-Skelly shared his thoughts on what he has learned from the Scottish defender.
He remarked: “I’ve tried to emulate [Kieran Tierney].
“My focus is on winning my duels, contributing defensively, and being solid.
“He’s an exceptional defender. His recovery runs are remarkable, and I frequently tell him how much I admire his game.
“His crossing skills are superb since he’s a natural left back.
“I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge from him.”
Lewis-Skelly made his first Champions League start against Monaco last week.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
He subsequently earned his first full Premier League debut against Everton, where he achieved consecutive clean sheets in both matches.
He exhibits remarkable ball progression from left back and showcases the maturity developed during his time as a midfielder.
‘Tell me Arteta didn’t say that,’ comments Piers Morgan after Arsenal manager’s ’embarrassing’ trophy assertion
He added: “[I’m strong] on the ball, focused on retaining possession, and keeping the play simple.
“I’ve incorporated the essentials from midfield to left back, which has significantly benefitted me.
It’s undoubtedly challenging for a young player to manage such responsibilities given by Arteta.
Still, he is confident that by the season’s conclusion, Arsenal will remain in contention for trophies.
3
Credit: Getty
Arsenal player ratings vs Everton
ARSENAL missed an opportunity to capitalize on Liverpool’s dropped points and were left disheartened by a determined Everton.
Here’s how the players rated:
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
No saves required. He could have relaxed in the locker room for most of the 90 minutes.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7
Continued right where he left off mid-week in the Champions League, finding gaps in midfield and effectively linking defense to attack.
GABRIEL – 6
Made a brilliant recovery tackle to stop Doucoure while Saliba was injured. He was well-defended during set pieces with Everton doubling up on him.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
Lucky not to go behind when he was out of position, but besides that, he had little trouble.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 5
Worked hard to bring pace down the right but lacked influence in attacking situations.
DECLAN RICE – 5
Had an unusually subdued performance. Did not assert himself apart from a few solid challenges, leading to his substitution after 62 minutes.
MIKEL MERINO – 6
Showed flashes of potential but still needs to adapt to the pace Arsenal desires in midfield play.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6
Missed two excellent early chances, shooting wide, and continued to look off-form, similar to the game against Monaco. It was surprising to see him substituted just after the hour.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Excelled against Mykolenko as Everton struggled with his movement and strength on the ball, although Pickford made several crucial saves.
Blocked a free header from Havertz late in the match.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Displayed energy, particularly with some runs that kept the 39-year-old Young busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.
Once again, he was substituted for Trossard.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Did not pose much of a goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a clever flick for Saka.
SUBS:
ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6
Displayed some nice touches and looked for his characteristic left-footed curled shot.
JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6
Took on the role of Arsenal’s chief playmaker from deep.
THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5
Had minimal impact.
GABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5
Had one threatening cross that Pickford collected comfortably.
LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6
Provided a burst of energy with several good crosses as Young started to tire on the left.
The promising young talent stated: “Our goal is to win trophies this season.
“That’s our aim; we want to strive for success, and being in the race for trophies is essential for that, so we remain optimistic.”
Regarding Tierney, he is expected to leave the club for free after an injury-hit tenure with the Gunners.
Tierney made his first appearance in six months against Palace on Wednesday but unfortunately left the match with an injury late on.
Arsenal has chosen not to activate the one-year extension in the Scotsman’s contract, which is set to expire in the summer.
