Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of the Premier League’s brightest talents but, Arsenal fans are growing concerned about one element of his game.
Mikel Arteta continues to show absolute trust in Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, starting the duo in the Champions League knockout rounds.
The Hale End graduates were named in the Arsenal starting XI to face PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 first leg, with both players having an influence from the off.
Nwaneri scored his second Champions League goal, a strike set up by Lewis-Skelly, with the pair combining to hand the Gunners a healthy advantage ahead of the second leg.
While Lewis-Skelly’s influence at left-back is incredibly positive for the future of Arteta’s project, fans have noticed something less admirable about his playing style.
Arsenal fans concerned about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s discipline
For reasons aside from his remarkable rise at senior level, the teenager has been making the headlines this season.
Lewis-Skelly was involved in red card drama against Wolves, seeing his dismissal overturned after an error from Michael Oliver.
Unfortunately, the defender did face a suspension soon after as Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West Ham but, some believe that the 18-year-old isn’t learning from his mistakes.
“MLS really can’t stop making cynical fouls,” a concerned Arsenal fan said when watching the Gunners’ clash with PSV.
Arteta hooked the academy graduate in the first half as he was walking a tightrope having been booked early and continued to dive into challenges.
“MLS needs to watch his discipline. It’s not funny anymore!” Another supporter said, which was agreed by fellow fans watching the game.
Others pointed to where the youngster needs to urgently improve, “MLS really needs to work on his discipline… Can’t keep getting caught out and always collecting cards.”
“MLS really needs to work on his tackling and positioning especially in transitions, he’s usually caught napping more often than not. Can’t be getting booked game in, game out.”
Some fans pleaded with Lewis-Skelly to stop flying into tackles in the first half, something that led to his game being cut short.
“MLS what is wrong with you man,” and, “MLS needs to stop flying into tackles.”
Arteta was sensible to hook the Englishman as soon as he sensed danger, as Lewis-Skelly was fortunate to have not been sent off following a second rash tackle after his booking.
The 18-year-old’s flurry of careless challenges had some Arsenal fans fearing the worst, with many relieved to see the left-back leave the pitch.
“Oh my life MLS. Please do not do that again. You’re on a yellow, just stay on your feet now. Do not slide or hold again. You’ll ruin the whole game for us, just chill now kid.”
Lewis-Skelly needs to mature when defending
Lewis-Skelly’s flaw doesn’t relate to his temperament, but more his timing with tackles and the way he aims to win back possession.
Such will come with time but, it’s equally a grey area that Arteta has to address promptly to ensure that the defender isn’t being cautioned so frequently.
| Competition | Apps | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Premier League | 12 | 2 | 2 |
| Champions League | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 5 | 1 | 0 |
On what was a memorable night for the teenager, Lewis-Skelly’s evening was cut short due to his actions after receiving a yellow card, which was a shame and ultimately an avoidable outcome.
The positive is that being a player so early into his career, there’s room to mould the fullback into a more complete talent, something that will eventually see his dual success-rate rise.
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