Mikel Arteta was able to afford significant game time to a number of promising youngsters as Arsenal thrashed Bayer Leverkusen last night.
Arsenal welcomed the reigning German champions to the Emirates Stadium for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta named a strong starting XI for this fixture, which paid off as Xabi Alonso’s side were put to the sword. The Gunners were 2-0 up within ten minutes, as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard both found the back of the net at the end of impressive team moves.
Before the break, Gabriel Jesus added a third. Having dazzled throughout the opening period, the Brazilian striker capped off his display with a solo run and strike from range. Arsenal fans were impressed by Jesus against Bayer Leverkusen.
With the game all but won by half-time, Arteta made four changes at the break. One of these substitutions saw him bring on Myles Lewis-Skelly in place of Zinchenko at left-back.
The 17-year-old has featured heavily throughout pre-season, and is clearly working his way into the manager’s plans. Despite being a midfielder by trade, Lewis-Skelly has been re-training as a left-back, and looked comfortable in this role against Bayer Leverkusen.
Mikel Arteta had words for Myles Lewis-Skelly after Arsenal v Bayer Leverkusen
The Hale End academy gem looked supremely confident on the ball, and displayed great composure on a couple of occasions to retain possession under pressure.
At one point he drew a gasp and applause from the Emirates Stadium faithful as he pulled off a magnificent turn to bamboozle an opponent and emerge into space with the ball at his feet. He also received plaudits from the stands with a well-timed sliding challenge late on.
There were a couple of instances of Lewis-Skelly’s positioning being questionable as the Gunners came under pressure late on. Overall, though, the England under-18 international can be extremely proud of his display.
After the final whistle, Arteta was seen deep in conversation with the teenager on the pitch. In his post-match press conference, as quoted by the club’s official website, the Spanish coach revealed what he’d had to say.
Arteta said: “There were a few actions that he did really well, a few he has to understand a bit better – especially the focus and attention these games demand. He really wants it.”
Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri on verge of Arsenal breakthrough
Like Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri also seems close to really establishing himself in the first team picture in North London. The 17-year-old midfielder already has two Premier League cameos under his belt, and is very highly thought of within the club.
There’s a plan for Nwaneri to progress this season, and he can be expected to add to his tally of senior appearances. With Emile Smith Rowe having left the club, there is a pathway for the youngster to take the next step in his career.
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