Arsenal delivered a powerful statement in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, securing a impressive 3-1 victory over German giants Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.
The win solidifies the Gunners' position at the top of their group, but the performance was somewhat marred by a moment of defensive frailty from young star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who received pointed criticism from former players.
Mixed Night for Young Gun as Pundits Point Finger
Despite the commanding scoreline, the spotlight fell on academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly for his role in Bayern's solitary goal. The equaliser, a stunning strike from Lennart Karl, came after a defensive lapse.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson, analysing the game for Sky Sports, did not hold back. He explicitly stated that Lewis-Skelly was at fault. "Lewis-Skelly falls asleep," Merson said. "It's a diagonal ball over to [Serge] Gnabry but he falls asleep, it goes over his head. But what a goal, honestly!"
Merson went on to praise the quality of the finish from Karl, but his primary assessment of the defensive error was clear.
An Alternative View and Arteta's Tactical Change
However, not all pundits placed the blame solely on the young midfielder. Owen Hargreaves, the former Manchester United and England player, offered a different perspective. He argued that Harry Kane's movement was the primary cause of the confusion in Arsenal's defence.
"You can talk about Lennart Karl, and he is exceptional, but look at Harry Kane, he's the one causing chaos," Hargreaves explained. "He drops a little bit deeper... it gives William Saliba something to think about."
Lewis-Skelly, who was making only his fifth start of the season, was later substituted for Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. This tactical change proved fruitful, as Calafiori played a key role, providing the assist for Noni Madueke's goal that put Arsenal back in front.
Arteta's Praise and a Look Ahead
After the final whistle, manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Calafiori's impactful contribution from the bench. "I like it because he has such an attitude and aura," Arteta said. "He comes in to make things happen and he's always so positive the way he plays. It's great that players come with that mindset."
The match ultimately showcased both the immense strength and the minor growing pains within the Arsenal squad. While the team celebrated a significant European victory, the analysis highlighted the fine margins and learning experiences for emerging talents like Lewis-Skelly on the biggest stage.
