Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal XI to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final and has heeded Thierry Henry's advice
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta arrives ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg vs Atletico Madrid
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta arrives ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg vs Atletico Madrid
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Mikel Arteta has answered Thierry Henry's plea to start Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield for the Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid this evening. The Gunners legend heaped praise on the 19-year-old for his performance in midfield during the 3-0 win over Fulham.
It was the Arsenal academy graduate's first start in his natural position, having come through the youth set-up as a central midfielder. However, Arteta has utilised the youngster as a left-back and thrived in that position, prior to this season where his game time has been limited.
Arteta dropped Martin Zubimendi to the bench in order to save his legs for the clash with Atleti tonight, but Arteta has stuck with the youngster after his brilliant display at the weekend.
It's a decision that will please Henry after the Gunners' legend waxed lyrical about Lewis-Skelly's display against the Cottagers.
"Miles was just different," Henry said on Sky Sports on Monday. "I didn’t see Zubimendi do that often – the legs, anticipation, stopping someone, boom, making someone feel that you that you are there; he was there all the time.
"Because of the magnitude of the game, he’s going to think to be a bit more secure. But Lewis-Skelly showed that that might be a new position for him in terms of next season.
"He did extremely well. I wouldn’t mind if he starts him but then I can understand because of the magnitude of the game and how Zubimndi plays, sometimes you need to be a tiny bit more secure. We will see. But in this game, he was brave.
"It’s one thing to be patient. It’s one thing to maybe be upset about the situation. But he was ready. He didn’t look like he didn’t play for a very long time.
"He controlled the game. He went forward. He buzzed the game at times. That’s outstanding. Do not underestimate experience in this type of game. But would I like to see him on Tuesday or tomorrow, obviously? Yes. Why not?"
Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal are level with Atleti ahead of kick-off this evening after Viktor Gyokeres' penalty was cancelled out by Julian Alvarez in Madrid.
The result was not without controversy, however, with the Gunners denied a late penalty and a chance to win the game when Eberechi Eze's shout for a penalty was overturned by VAR.
Arteta named an unchanged starting XI from the win over Fulham, though Martin Odegaard returned to the bench having missed the game at the weekend.
Kai Havertz was also deemed fit enough for the bench having picked up an injury in the win over Newcastle last month.