Gael Clichy blown away by ‘super’ Arsenal talent after ‘beautiful’ moment vs Atletico Madrid
Arsenal continued their stunning run of form with a statement 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The Emirates Stadium witnessed an impressive second-half massacre after goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and a Viktor Gyokeres brace blew away Diego Simeone’s men.
Mikel Arteta deserves praise for the two changes he made before the game after bringing in Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martinelli for Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard, who scored the winner against Fulham.
Lewis-Skelly impressed against Atletico Madrid and produced an incredible run and pass for Martinelli’s finish, with the 19-year-old proving why he deserves more minutes at Arsenal.
Gael Clichy wowed by Myles Lewis-Skelly vs Atletico Madrid
After playing a starring role in his breakout season with the Gunners, Arteta has preferred Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly in 2025/26.
The Italian has started every Premier League game, leaving his left-back rival restricted to just minutes from the bench.
Calafiori has the edge over the teenager physically and aerially, but Lewis-Skelly is arguably better going forward.
For Martinelli’s goal, the Englishman picked up the ball in central midfield and drove past multiple players at speed before having the presence of mind to slip his teammate in.
Former Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy praised the lung-bursting run he made to create the chance, but was even more impressed by his weight of pass.
“It’s beautiful,” Clichy said on TNT Sports. “Like Theo [Walcott] said before, the first part of the goal is unbelievable, but the final pass is probably the hardest, it’s beautiful, and hopefully this will allow him to get more minutes because he’s a super talent.”
Lewis-Skelly’s performance in numbers vs Atletico Madrid
Lewis-Skelly is often criticised for his lack of discipline, and he was often caught out on the turn against Atletico Madrid, while arguably lucky to avoid a yellow card.
As he matures into a better player, the youngster will iron his defensive deficiencies out, and he can only do that by playing more.
On the flip side, Lewis-Skelly was a constant threat going forward, either supporting Martinelli down the left flank or moving into central midfield to create an overload.
| 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 |
The teenage sensation is an incredible ball carrier, as demonstrated by the goal he assisted, but he’s also composed in possession beyond his years.
Lewis-Skelly’s battle with Calafiori for the spot at left-back is healthy, and it’s a level of competition Arteta has across the pitch.