Myles Lewis-Skelly’s latest controversy stuns in Arsenal draw at Everton – ‘Wow’
Myles Lewis-Skelly was once again on the receiving end of a controversial moment during Arsenal’s trip to Everton after giving away an “awfully soft” penalty.
From mimicking Erling Haaland‘s celebration to being sent off for tripping Matt Doherty, the 18-year-old’s short time in the Arsenal first-team has not been without its surprisingly controversial moments.
Lewis-Skelly returned to Arsenal last week following an excellent start to his international career under Thomas Tuchel, in which he became the youngest player to score on his debut for England.
However, moments after David Raya and William Saliba’s mix up at the start of the second-half at Goodison Park, the left-back conceded a penalty which drew Everton level in the match.
Lewis-Skelly misjudged a long-ball forward, allowing Jack Harrison to get the wrong side of him, with the youngster leaning into his marker before eventually bringing him down.
Former Tottenham defender, Michael Dawson, believes that the decision was “awfully soft” with Mike Dean agreeing that there was hardly any contact.
Everton awarded a soft penalty against Arsenal
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (2.40pm, April 5) Dawson said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly, it’s a long ball over the top, I don’t know why he doesn’t go and attack it. He lets it bounce, it bounces again, and then Jack Harrison gets the wrong side of him.
“There’s a coming together outside the box. It then goes into the box. Jack Harrison goes down, I think this is awfully soft. Darren England has given it. It’s gone to VAR.
“If this is given against me wow that is soft. Mike over to you.”
Dean responded with: “There’s a bit of contact outside, it’s kind of carried on inside, but the penalty is given and the on-field decision has stood.
“I think it’s a very soft one… It’s probably not wrong, hence the reason it’s not overturned, but it’s a soft one. I wouldn’t want it given against me if I was the defender, like Daws said, but I’d want it for my own team.”
More dropped points for Arsenal in the Premier League
Football Insider verdict
Following Arsenal’s draw with Everton, Arteta will be all in for the Champions League if they are to make this season a success.
The Gunners sit 11 points behind Liverpool prior to their trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday (6 April), meaning the latter can be within touching distance with a win.
If Arsenal are going to lift the Champions League for the first time in their history, they will need to significantly improve from their performance at Goodison Park.
| Arsenal’s potential route to Champions League final | Stage of the competition |
| Real Madrid | Quarter-finals |
| PSG or Aston Villa | Semi-finals |
Granted, David Moyes’ side play with a completely different style to Real Madrid, but at times it was the same story for Arsenal that cost them.
The returning Bukayo Saka was unable to provide the spark which he so often has prior to his hamstring injury and it would be unfair to rest the club’s chances in the tie on the 23-year-old.
Arteta’s men will need to take the shackles off and pick their moments wisely against the Spanish side, if they are to have a chance of progressing in the competition.