In a commanding 5-1 victory over Manchester City, two rising stars from Arsenal’s academy shone brightest: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both key members of England’s U19 squad. While the Gunners delivered a dominant team performance, it was the brilliance of these two youngsters that left a lasting impression. With a goal each and an increasing influence on the game, they further cemented their status as the future of the club.
Lewis-Skelly bosses the midfield and bags a stunning goal.
Arsenal wasted no time making their mark, with Martin Ødegaard opening the scoring after just 103 seconds, courtesy of a pinpoint Kai Havertz assist. Despite a first half dominated by the hosts, City found an equaliser early in the second period through Erling Haaland’s unstoppable header. But the Gunners’ response was swift—Thomas Partey restored their lead with a long-range effort that took a crucial deflection. Moments later, Myles Lewis-Skelly brought the Emirates Stadium to its feet with his first Premier League goal.
Operating as a left-back in defence and shifting into midfield in possession, Lewis-Skelly was central to Arsenal’s play, registering 41 touches. At just 18, he displayed remarkable technical composure, completing 23 of his 25 attempted passes, many of which were progressive and forward-thinking. Defensively, he was outstanding—winning seven of his eight duels and making five ball recoveries, showcasing his awareness and tenacity. Despite engaging in physical battles, he drew three fouls without committing a single one himself, underlining his defensive intelligence—something that players typically refine with experience.
Beyond the stats, however, it was his goal that truly stole the show. Picking up the ball on the left, he left his marker for dead with a sharp turn before unleashing a thunderous strike that Stefan Ortega could only parry into his own net. A moment of pure brilliance, capping off a superb display in just his 11th senior start.
Nwaneri makes an instant impact with clinical finishing.
With the match all but settled following Kai Havertz’s second goal, Arsenal added a touch of flair in the closing minutes. Introduced late on, as has become his trademark, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri put the finishing touch on the Gunners’ attacking masterclass with a sublime curling effort. Cutting in from the right, he assessed his options before bending a left-footed strike perfectly inside the post—a finish that is quickly becoming his signature move.
This goal was yet another reminder of Nwaneri’s extraordinary talent. Now on seven goals across all competitions this season, he continues to make the most of every opportunity, proving to be decisive despite his limited game time—averaging a goal contribution roughly every 90 minutes. Despite his youth, he plays with maturity beyond his years, exuding confidence whenever he steps onto the pitch. He isn’t there just to make up the numbers—he’s making a real impact, and with Bukayo Saka still recovering from injury, his minutes could soon increase.
With this 14th consecutive Premier League game unbeaten, Arsenal are sending a strong message to their rivals. But beyond the emphatic scoreline, it’s the emergence of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri that truly stands out. At this rate, these two Hale End graduates could soon establish themselves as key figures for both Arsenal and England’s senior squad.
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