Arsenal continued their winning run in the Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Wednesday’s clash against AS Monaco. Two straightforward goals by Bukayo Saka, along with a second-half finish by Kai Havertz, were enough to secure the win and move Arsenal up to third in the league rankings, putting them in a favourable position to finish in the top eight.
There were a few eyebrows raised when the starting lineup was announced ahead of the match, with the notable inclusion of Myles Lewis-Skelly being a point of debate. Before the game, minor injuries to both Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber cast doubts on their availability. While Partey made it into the starting lineup, Timber was only fit enough for the bench.
Everyone expected Kieran Tierney to make his first start in 16 months, but instead, Lewis-Skelly was entrusted with the role. Concerns were raised about his lack of experience and the pressure of starting a Champions League game at such a young age. These concerns even led to some criticism being directed at Arteta for his decision to start him.
Just 30 seconds in, those concerns might have been ringing in the boss’s ears when Lewis-Skelly gave the ball away cheaply. However, fast forward 45 minutes, and it became clear why he was trusted to deputise.
Lewis-Skelly grew into the game as it progressed, showcasing his ability on the ball and demonstrating how comfortable he was inverting into midfield. In fact, he was instrumental in Arsenal’s opening goal. His perfectly weighted pass to Gabriel Jesus in the inside-left channel was pivotal in setting up the Brazilian’s assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal.
After that moment, you could see his confidence build even further as he began to impose himself on the game. While he did fade slightly before being substituted in the second half, his performance served as vindication for Mikel Arteta, especially in light of the criticism he faced for starting the young Englishman.
One person who might be concerned by this development is Kieran Tierney. This performance is perhaps the clearest indication yet that he is no longer in Arsenal’s long-term plans. A move away as soon as possible could be the best solution for both the player and the club.
What did you all make of his performance Gooners? Let us know in the comments!
BENJAMIN KENNETH.
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He played very well and provided the killer pass to Jesus who in turn crossed for Saka to score. I also liked the way he transitioned into midfield whilst we attacked and Kiwior went to cover the LB position.
Yes of course we need to give these youngsters opportunity to showcase their raw skills and talents. They need it to grow and improve on their self confidence in other to have more playing time. Kudos to him. More of it to come from him.
He’s some strong competitor 😎.
The photo above shows him running with the ball, moving past opponents, and looking forward.
Martinelli would have been looking at his shoes to see if they are shining.
Historically, Arteta was slow to use academy players. Perhaps initially down to inexperience but it has taken him time to introduce them. His reasoning appears to be a gently, gently approach; not rushing them into the fray but giving them a few minutes instead. Nwaneri is getting more time now and in Skelly’s case, a start against Monaco. Obviously for different reasons, but I do believe that a 5 minute cameo in the early days was fine, but now is the time to let them loose. I remember a young Rashford being brought on as a last resort against us due to injuries , and he smashed it. Skelly fell into that category and he didn’t let himself down at all. Quite the opposite.
Just not when coming on against City or Liverpool?
I’m not sure what you actually mean or what you are alluding to
Why didn’t he have faith in him against Fulham? Thats when he should have played. Or Tierney.
Arteta is risk averse, it has been a constant pattern as manager. Bad or not is yet to be determined.
Get a lead and fall back into a shell and defend the lead. Midfield of 4 DM types out of 6 options. Even our build up is focused on retaining possession over direct attacks to exploit defenders.
Wenger was Gung ho and all attack, Arteta tends to be quite the opposite.
Just once, or maybe several times, I’d love to see Arteta release the handbrake and free up the players. A bit of Wenger in his tactics, like we saw several years ago with our style of play.
It was not the right time. Only when he does it is the right timing.
He might close the academy tomorrow and you will have some here praising it saying it’s about time.
We cannot trust Tierney he is too injury prone just like ESR was. But we can trust Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Calafiori and Jesus because they are never injured.