Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old academy product, made his Champions League debut for Arsenal against Monaco, earning rave reviews for a performance that belied his tender age. Deployed at left-back due to injuries to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly seized his opportunity, displaying composure, tactical awareness, and an impressive passing range. He notably played a key role in Arsenal’s opening goal, cleverly drawing a Monaco midfielder out of position before releasing Gabriel Jesus, who then assisted Bukayo Saka. Manager Mikel Arteta was effusive in his praise for Lewis-Skelly, highlighting the pride in seeing a homegrown talent excel on such a stage. Arteta emphasized the youngster’s courage and decision-making, declaring it a privilege to give him the opportunity, which Lewis-Skelly duly seized.
Lewis-Skelly’s performance resonated not only with the manager but also with his teammates. Bukayo Saka, a more established figure in the Arsenal squad, lauded the teenager’s bright future, emphasizing his strong mentality, eagerness to learn, and impressive training performances. Saka’s comments underscore the collective support and recognition Lewis-Skelly has garnered within the team. The young full-back’s performance was characterized by confidence on the ball, consistently seeking forward passes, and even directing more experienced teammates. He completed an impressive 45 out of 47 passes, showcasing his ability to maintain tempo and circulate possession effectively.
Beyond his passing ability, Lewis-Skelly demonstrated tactical intelligence, seamlessly transitioning into a midfield role when Arsenal had possession, a hallmark of Arteta’s system. This versatility, honed through his development as a midfielder, allowed him to influence the game from different areas of the pitch. The defining moment of his performance came in the build-up to Arsenal’s first goal. Positioned centrally alongside Declan Rice, he received a pass from Martin Odegaard and, under pressure, expertly manipulated the ball to create space before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to release Jesus. This sequence showcased not only his technical ability but also his composure and vision in a high-pressure situation.
Despite being the youngest Arsenal player to start a Champions League match since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011, Lewis-Skelly exhibited a maturity that belied his age. He was not intimidated by the occasion, demonstrating confidence both on and off the ball. This composure extended to communication on the pitch, where he was observed directing more senior players, a testament to his growing influence within the team. His performance earned him a standing ovation from the home crowd upon his substitution, a clear indication of the impression he made on the Arsenal faithful.
A detailed player-by-player analysis of the match further highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s standout contribution. Receiving a rating of 9 out of 10, he was singled out as the best player on the pitch. His performance overshadowed even established players like Bukayo Saka, who scored twice, and Declan Rice. The report noted his sensational play in the lead-up to the first goal, highlighting the precision of his pass to Jesus. The standing ovation he received upon being substituted was further evidence of his impactful performance.
While Lewis-Skelly’s performance dominated the headlines, the match analysis also provided insights into the contributions of other players. David Raya, the goalkeeper, had a relatively quiet night but was commended for his command of the box and distribution. Thomas Partey delivered a mixed performance, showcasing both incisive passes and some errant ones. The central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior was praised for their solidity and reliability. Declan Rice performed his defensive duties effectively but was less influential in attack. Martin Odegaard had an unusually subdued performance, missing several scoring opportunities. Gabriel Jesus, while providing the assist for the opening goal, was criticized for missing two clear chances. Substitutes Leandro Trossard and Jorginho had limited impact, while Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz provided more positive contributions after coming on. Ethan Nwaneri gained valuable minutes but had limited influence on the game.
