MIKEL ARTETA did not hold back in his praise for Myles Lewis-Skelly after his first Champions League start as Arsenal’s latest graduate more than repaid the faith.
Lewis-Skelly showed the confidence and understanding of a player with more than 100 appearances under his belt as the Gunners saw off Monaco 3-0.
Brave on the ball and playing a key role in Arsenal‘s first goal – this was a night he can remember fondly.
While Arteta continues to worry about just how many injuries are piling up in North London – at least he now has someone he can trust at left-back.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori sidelined and Jurrien Timber not ready to start, the 18-year-old was given the nod ahead of Kieran Tierney.
Arteta hailed the youngster after his Champions League debut versus Monaco, saying: “A really proud moment. He’s one of our own.
“It’s just a joy to watch it him, a privilege to be able to give the chance to somebody. He took the chance.”
Gunners fans have had glimpses in the past, especially when he was involved in a spat with Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland before he had even turned 18.
But with his progress this season having been hindered by an infected toe, supporters have had to wait a while longer for a proper display.
There was plenty to be excited about here, with even Bukayo Saka raving about his display, saying: “His future is very bright.
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“He just needs to keep the same head that he has got, his mentality is top and he is always asking questions, looking to learn. I’m so proud of him.
“I just said to him, like I said to him before the game – this is his level.
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“He needs to have no doubts and play with confidence.
“What he’s doing, we see it in training. I was pleased with him, he was a big part of the first goal.”
Despite being the youngest player to start in the Champions League for Arsenal since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011, Lewis-Skelly was not lacking in confidence.
Whether that was on the ball, taking possession in tight spaces and always looking to play forwards, or telling other far more senior team-mates where they should be.
Lewis-Skelly completed a very impressive 45 of 47 attempted passes, always looking to keep the tempo up and with team-mates not afraid to hand him the ball.
Arteta asks his full-backs to move inside when the Gunners are in possession and, having come through the ranks as a midfielder, the teen looks more than comfortable doing so.
He just needs to keep the same head that he has got, his mentality is top and he is always asking questions, looking to learn. I’m so proud of him.
Bukayo Saka
It was from this position he helped craft the opener.
Having shifted inside alongside Declan Rice, Lewis-Skelly collected a pass from skipper Martin Odegaard.
Under pressure from Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, the No49 took a touch backwards to draw the Frenchman in before darting forwards, leaving him stranded.
The England Under-19 settled himself and quickly set Gabriel Jesus in behind with a fine pass, from where the Brazilian squared to setup Saka.
As the Gunners had to dig in after the break, Arteta sent on the more experienced Timber to shore things up.
But Lewis-Skelly still departed to a standing ovation – surely not the last he will receive from Arsenal supporters.
Arsenal ratings vs Monaco as Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation but Merino is heavy and slow
BUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.
Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.
Commanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.
Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.
A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.
Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.
Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
I wasn’t moved.
Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were excited about. Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.
Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.
While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.
Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.
What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.
SUBS:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.
Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.
Some good touches to get the home fans excited.
