Arsenal star may have found completely new position after what he did vs Atletico Madrid
Arsenal returned to the Champions League in style with a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta entered this game knowing how defensively stubborn Diego Simeone’s side is, and that proved to be the case in the first half.
The Gunners dominated large spells of possession but struggled to score past Jan Oblak; however, in the second period, a moment of magic from a Declan Rice set-piece opened the floodgates.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was closely followed by a cultured Gabriel Martinelli finish and a brace from Viktor Gyokeres in the space of 13 second-half minutes.
Although Martin Zubimendi was suspended in the first half for his third booking in the competition, the Spaniard couldn’t take the gloss off Arsenal’s stunning 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
Myles Lewis-Skelly could play as a midfielder for Arsenal
After enjoying an incredible breakout year under Arteta, Myles Lewis-Skelly has seen his minutes get reduced in 2024/25.
Arteta has preferred Riccardo Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly due to what he brings in terms of height and physicality at left-back.
However, the 19-year-old is arguably better going forward, and he proved that with a fine piece of play in the second half.
| Myles Lewis-Skelly stats vs Atletico Madrid |
| 93 minutes played |
| 19/24 accurate passes (79%) |
| 2 successful dribbles |
| 1 assist |
| 3/5 ground duels won |
| 4 recoveries |
| 2 clearances |
Lewis-Skelly picked up the ball in a central position, something Arteta has encouraged his full-backs to do in the past, before driving forward at pace.
The Englishman skipped past multiple players before laying the ball off to Martinelli, who swept the ball into the far right corner.
In that one moment, Lewis-Skelly demonstrated how comfortable he is at taking the ball under pressure while supplying the required composure in the final third.
Lewis-Skelly makes Arsenal even more unpredictable
Lewis-Skelly’s ability to play inside and help in the build-up phase adds another string to Arteta’s tactical blow.
It makes the Gunners youngster even more unpredictable for the opposition, as he can either overload the midfield or catch them out on the overlap.
Further, with Arsenal’s strength from set-pieces being showcased once more against Atletico Madrid, Arteta has built a well-oiled, unstoppable machine.
That doesn’t even factor in the skill and guile of Bukayo Saka down the right and the exceptional pressing and poacher-like finishing of Gyokeres.
Add to that the strength and quality they can bring off the bench, Arsenal are now arguably one of the most complete teams in Europe and one that can go all the way in the Champions League.