Mikel Arteta has said he had to substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s win at PSV Eindhoven with the defender a ‘liability’ on a yellow card.
Lewis-Skelly was withdrawn in the 35th-minute of the club’s record-breaking 7-1 win over PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Lewis-Skelly 🤝 Nwaneri #UCL pic.twitter.com/5JrUcwKptZ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 6, 2025
Arsenal were 3-0 ahead at the time of his withdrawal, with Arteta opting for a cautious approach. The teenager has twice been sent off this season and Arteta admitted he did not want to take any chances.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Manchester United this weekend, Arteta explained: “It was quite clear that there was a liability there so I didn’t want to take any risks. It was down to me to manage the game.
“A lesson for him to learn and we will help and support him.
“He is very intelligent and extremely demanding of himself. He is a perfectionist and he is here to learn.”
Arsenal’s big win in Eindhoven was the perfect response to their recent stutters in the Premier League. After two goalless performances in the league, the Gunners became the first team in Champions League history to score 7+ away goals in a knockout stage game.
Arteta admitted it was a huge confidence boost for his team: “It was a great night for us in an important competition that we have hope in.
“The manner we did it in will lift everyone. Now it is about trying to replicate a great performance on Sunday.”
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