Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has held talks with Myles Lewis-Skelly regarding the teenager’s disciplinary issues, as concerns mount over his growing reputation for picking up cards.
The 18-year-old full-back is set to return to action as Arsenal visit Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, having served his suspension for a red card received against West Ham. His dismissal in that goalless draw against Nottingham Forest raised further concerns about his discipline on the pitch.
Arteta will still be without key players Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries, but Lewis-Skelly’s availability adds depth to his squad.
However, the youngster’s aggressive style of play has led to several disciplinary incidents this season. Just last month, he was sent off in his last Premier League outing against West Ham, and he narrowly avoided a similar fate during Arsenal’s emphatic 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven.
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Despite picking up an early booking in the match, Lewis-Skelly committed another reckless challenge shortly after, which could have seen him dismissed. Recognising the risk, Arteta promptly substituted him in the 35th minute to prevent further trouble.
Myles Lewis-Skelly red card- Arsenal - Alan Shearer - Premier League
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been sent off twice in the Premier League this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
This is not the first time the teenager has been involved in such incidents. He was shown a straight red card against Wolves in January, though it was later rescinded after being deemed a refereeing error. Although his overall record this season—two yellow cards and one red in 12 Premier League appearances—is not alarming, Arteta has taken proactive measures to curb the issue before it escalates.
Speaking about his conversation with Lewis-Skelly, Arteta explained in a press conference: “It was today that I did that. When the dust has settled, and [we can] talk openly. What can we learn from that situation? How can we expose the team? What are the things that we have to try to avoid without losing his essence?
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“And that’s what we have to do – understand where that line is. Because he is a superb player. He has attitude, he has courage… what he transmits. Certainly, we have to maintain that. And just understanding the risk and rewards.”
Arteta emphasised that discipline is a learning process for all players, not just young ones like Lewis-Skelly.
“It happens with the senior ones as well! A lot!” Arteta added. “Depending on the part of the pitch that you play. Those ones when you make that mistake and you mistime it, the consequences are terrible.
“From the front players, it happens the same… it’s for everybody. We are in a constant learning process. That one, you have to be lucky. Because to learn when you’ve won, that is much better. Believe me! [It is much better] for your confidence and as well for how your team and your colleagues perceive you, so he was lucky on that.”
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