Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven was a statement win but it could have been very different had Myles Lewis-Skelly been sent off early. Former Premier League ref Keith Hackett thinks the young full back “should have walked” after two reckless challenges. Instead Mikel Arteta’s quick thinking kept Arsenal at full strength and they never looked back.
Key Highlights
- Lewis-Skelly should have seen a second yellow.
- The Arsenal boss subbed him early.
- Their 7-1 thrashing of PSV proved their dominance.
Should Lewis-Skelly Have Been Sent Off?
Let’s be real, he was walking a tightrope. Booked in the 24th minute for fouling Luuk de Jong, Lewis-Skelly took down Richard Ledezma in a challenge that screamed “second yellow”. Any other day, any other ref and he’s in the shower before halftime.
“We witnessed a little bit of inconsistent officiating. I thought the first yellow for Lewis-Skelly was a little weak but then having got that yellow he commits a very clear yellow card offence by bringing his opponent down and stopping a promising attack; for which he should have then walked. He didn’t. But his manager was alert and had seen what had happened and rightly subbed him. That maintained the 11 players on the field of play for the remainder of the game.”
Hackett told Football Insider:
Arteta’s Substitution
If there’s one thing Arteta has learned it’s when to cut his losses. He didn’t wait for the ref to make a decision, he made one himself. Yanking Lewis-Skelly out in the 34th minute wasn’t just about protecting the teenager, it was about protecting the team.
This is the kind of in-game management that wins trophies. Arteta knew Arsenal was in control but couldn’t play with 10 men. Some managers hesitate and hope their players ” calm down.” Arteta acted and kept Arsenal’s foot on PSV’s throat.
Arsenal’s Dominance Overshadowed the Controversy
Even if Lewis-Skelly had been sent off it’s hard to see how PSV would have stopped the onslaught. A 7-1 win away in the Champions League is the stuff of dreams. Arsenal were ruthless, clinical and just too good.
The Bigger Picture
This showed two things: Arsenal’s squad depth is scary, and Arteta is becoming a top-class manager. Lewis-Skelly’s close call shouldn’t overshadow a great performance, but it reminds us that discipline matters. The Champions League isn’t forgiving, and Arsenal will need to stay focused as they aim for Europe.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
PSV are done, now it’s Manchester United. Momentum is everything and Arsenal are flying. The return leg against PSV in London should be a formality but Arsenal won’t take their foot off the gas. Lewis-Skelly will learn from this. He’s 18, and he’s playing in the Champions League—mistakes will happen. But Arteta’s decision-making ensured that a reckless challenge wouldn’t become costly.
