Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images

Opinion

HomeOpinionNewsArsenalEnglish Premier League

Arsenal fans send clear message to Mikel Arteta about Myles Lewis-Skelly as Gunners lose to PSG in Champions League semi-final first leg

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 29 April 2025 22:07, UK

Arsenal fans have it all to do at the Parc des Princes next week after falling to a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

The Gunners fell behind after just four minutes of the Champions League game at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal conceded when the in-form Ousmane Dembele curled in off the post after being set up by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Arsenal worked hard in pursuit of an equaliser but were denied by a well-drilled PSG outfit along with the impressive Gianluigi Donnarumma in between the sticks.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was one of Arsenal’s better players on the night and plenty of Gunners fans were all making the same point about the 18-year-old star.

READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly names the top talent in the Arsenal academy who’ll be next in ‘coming through’

Arsenal fans want to see Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield

Arsenal fans were impressed by Lewis-Skelly’s efforts in the middle of the park and called for Mikel Arteta to line him up in midfield instead of left-back.

One fan wrote on X: “I would put Lewis-Skelly into midfield, push Merino up top and take Trossard off.”

Another claimed that “Lewis-Skelly even has more midfield presence than Merino”, while another similarly said “Lewis Skelly is so clear of merino in the midfield it’s ridiculous”.

The calls for Lewis-Skelly to line up in midfield kept coming, with one fan saying: “I would put Lewis-Skelly into midfield, push Merino up top and take Trossard off.”

Another supporter explained: “Lewis-Skelly should be playing 8 for Arsenal…

“That boy is balling like a proper midfielder that – can brake lines/take the ball forward – can get out of tight spaces – can take care of the ball (not clumsy) – has an eye for incisive passes. – great in front of goal.”

Another said: “Lewis-Skelly has to be the 8 for next season.”

READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly says Arsenal have a youngster whose left foot is so ‘special’

The impressive stats Myles Lewis-Skelly registered for Arsenal against PSG

Lewis-Skelly stood out among his teammates as they often struggled to keep hold of the ball in face of PSG’s pressing.

The 18-year-old provided the first big moment for Arsenal with his impressive challenge on Achraf Hakimi before surging forward.

Lewis-Skelly also provided a superb through-ball for a big chance for Gabriel Martinelli.

In addition, he showed plenty of drive throughout the game and won numerous fouls to help his team get forward.

Lewis-Skelly won seven of his nine ground duels, completed all 23 of the passes he attempted, and was not dribbled past once.