Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium to progress to the Champions League final last night.
The Gunners are on the verge of sealing a double after finding another gear to defeat the Spanish side.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was the official man of the match, but he reserved praise for teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was equally outstanding.
Rice said (via the BBC): “We have always known what Myles can do. I remember last year when he played so many games.
“Last year, when he stepped up, Real Madrid away at the Bernabeu at 18 – I thought ‘wow, what a player.’
“The manager has been tough on him behind the scenes. He has kept his head down and worked so hard.
“He is in early, gym and works hard. To be thrown in at the deep end and perform how he did is no surprise to me.”
Lewis-Skelly can be the difference-maker for Arsenal
The Arsenal academy graduate won all three of his aerial duels, made one key pass and recorded two progressive carries.
Lewis-Skelly could help define Arsenal’s season. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side looked strangely flat when Martin Zubimendi operated in midfield.
The Gunners lacked the intensity, drive and verticality that have powered them through the campaign.
The decision to turn to Lewis-Skelly for the last two matches has completely changed the dynamic for Arsenal.
The teenager brings aggression without the ball, carries possession fearlessly through pressure, and injects energy into the midfield.
He played with the maturity of a seasoned international against Atletico rather than a teenager experiencing the biggest nights of his career.
Arteta may have stumbled upon the perfect balance at exactly the right moment.
With the Premier League title race entering its decisive stage and a Champions League final now looming, Lewis-Skelly’s athleticism could be a major weapon.
On current evidence, he looks capable of helping drive Arsenal toward a historic double.
Stats from Sofascore.
