Mikel Arteta's Arsenal booked themselves a spot in the next round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon with a 4-1 victory over Championship side Portsmouth at Fratton Park. It was a rather routine encounter for the Premier League table toppers – but one player has been subject to criticism from the Emirates Stadium faithful.
The visitors led 2-1 at the break after going a goal behind inside three minutes. Andre Dozzell's own goal levelled proceedings five minutes later before Gabriel Martinelli bagged their second in the 25th minute.
Before half-time, Noni Madueke had the chance to extend Arsenal's advantage from the penalty spot, but sent his spot kick wide. Martinelli, bagging his second of the affair, made it three shortly after the teams emerged for the second 45 and then converted his third later on in the half. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Arsenal as one player struggled.
A Closer Look at Myles Lewis-Skelly's Display Against Portsmouth in the FA Cup
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There were a number of Arsenal players who covered themselves in glory down south. Martinelli's two goals would have offered Arteta a glimmer of hope, Ben White was solid, and Mikel Merino enjoyed an all-action display in the middle of the park – but it was an afternoon to forget for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The academy graduate, who is still just 19 years of age, is no longer at the top of the pecking order for Arteta and his entourage following a string of decent performances from Riccardo Calafiori.
In 2025/26 alone, Lewis-Skelly, who is understandably admired as one of the best young players in world football, has played 22 times in all competitions. That, however, only equates to a total of 937 minutes – and his latest performance proves why he is no longer trusted by the Gunners staff to be their starting left-back when all members of the back line are fit and available.
His performance against Portsmouth was the most worrying of them all as, in the absence of Calafiori and Hincapie, the six-cap England international flattered to deceive.
As things stand, though, Arteta is having to deal with injuries to Hincapie – who is on loan for the season from Bayer Leverksuen – and his go-to left-back in Calafiori.
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So what could be the tonic? Although he is primed to play on the right-hand side of Arsenal's back four, Jurrien Timber's defensive expertise could be used on the left instead and Ben White, who started and played 90 minutes against Portsmouth, would fill in on the right.
Up next for Arsenal, who are widely regarded as one of the biggest clubs to never win the Champions League, is a League Cup tie against fellow London club Chelsea, who are fresh off a 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday evening.
Arsenal Fans Concerned Over Myles Lewis-Skelly's Poor Run of Form
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"I think it’s time we have a conversation about Myles Lewis-Skelly," one said on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the performance of the Englishman, as another added that Arsenal could look to cash in over the summer if his overall form doesn't improve. "Lewis-Skelly would need to buck his ideas up, or he's gone in summer. He's been disgustingly bad and his attitude looks stinking like he's huffing."
"Lewis-Skelly is miles off it. This ain't about him needing minutes. He's getting basic things like heading a ball wrong, wingers are beating him easily, something ain't right," a third fan wrote.
There is a sense of concern in the Emirates Stadium echo chamber about whether Lewis-Skelly is up to the task of filling in for his injured teammates. Also referencing his 33-minute cameo against Liverpool, another fan added:
"Really worried about Lewis-Skelly’s performances now. Not up to scratch so far, same as when he was brought on vs Liverpool. He needs to step up."
"Lewis-Skelly, something is wrong with that boy. He should fix it," a fifth supporter commented, as another claimed the youngster will need to buck up his ideas moving forward by writing: "Myles Lewis-Skelly needs to have a long hard conversation in the mirror after this game. He’s been sooo disappointing."