Thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes’ last-ditch header, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continued to keep pace with table-topping Liverpool following a more-than-memorable 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
But, as part of his post-weekend debrief, Rio Ferdinand has questioned the Spanish tactician’s treatment of one of his players.
It’s been so far so good for Arteta, whose only hiccup this season has been a 1-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August. That defeat aside, a 1-1 draw with Manchester City has been accompanied by a smattering of wins – 3-0 over Nottingham Forest, 5-0 over Leeds United and 1-0 over Manchester United all spring to mind.
That said, there have been claims that the 43-year-old, whose lack of silverware could soon put his position at risk, has been too pragmatic in his approach this term – and that’s despite a summer of lofty spending that saw them welcome the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. Ferdinand, however, has another bone to pick with him.
Ferdinand Questions After Arsenal’s 2-1 Win Over Newcastle
It’s no secret that Arsenal, who have finished second three seasons on the bounce, have the most complete squad in the Premier League when you look at their strength in depth – but Ferdinand, formerly of Manchester United and England, believes that Myles Lewis-Skelly should be more involved in first-team proceedings.
Lewis-Skelly, a four-cap England international, broke into the senior side last term and became much-beloved by the Emirates Stadium faithful with his reliable displays on the left-hand side of the backline. He made the most of Riccardo Calafiori’s unavailability; but that is no longer the case with the Italian back in the fold.
Fans, on Sunday, were calling for Lewis-Skelly to get a sniff moving forwards after Calafiori struggled to perform at the level expected against the Magpies; though, Ecuador international Piero Hincapie’s summer arrival could complicate matters further.
“Do you know the thing I find mad about Arsenal? What’s Lewis-Skelly done? What’s he done?” Ferdinand said. “He came on [as an 88th-minute substitute] yesterday [in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United]. Listen, the replacement is an Italian international [Riccardo Calafoiri] and a good player, don’t get me wrong. I like him.
“But sometimes you have to do something wrong to get out of the team, surely? Or has Lewis-Skelly just played a lot of football as a young kid so they’re giving him a breather? I would love to know what’s happened.”
Ferdinand was then quizzed about whether Calafiori was a more ‘complete player’ than London-born Lewis-Skelly at the age of 19. He added: “No way. No way. Lewis-Skelly is better on the ball in midfield and I didn’t see him get beat defensively last season except when he got a couple of red cards.”
Perhaps referencing to Arsenal’s two-legged victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League when Lewis-Skelly, who is widely regarded as one of the best teenagers in world football, danced around the Sanitago Bernabeu as if he had done so for years and years, Ferdinand continued:
“I watched him in big games last season and he looked so unfazed, it was a joke. I can’t believe he’s not in the team. It’s probably because Calafiori is bigger and better defensively in the air. But Lewis-Skelly can defend too but also looks great on the ball.”
Hoping to build on his sensational breakout season in 2024/25, Lewis-Skelly has fallen down the pecking order under Arteta, it seems, and is yet to start any of the north Londoners’ six league games. His latest cameo was the final two minutes, plus added time, of their gripping comeback triumph over Newcastle.
Next up for Arteta and his entourage is welcoming Olympiacos to north London for the Champions League on Wednesday night. Upon returning to domestic football on the weekend, the Gunners will face West Ham United – a club galvanised by the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo – at home.
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