- Arsenal beat Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby on Wednesday evening
- Gunners left back Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, put in a superb display at the Emirates
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Arsenal fans have heaped praise on Myles Lewis-Skelly after their north London derby victory against Tottenham.
The Gunners came from behind to beat Spurs 2-1 on Wednesday night, with Lewis-Skelly playing a pivotal role in what was his first ever senior appearance against his side’s arch-rivals.
The left back, 18, is enjoying a breakout season and has even been preferred over the likes of Kieran Tierney, Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko in recent weeks by Mikel Arteta.
Lewis-Skelly played 87 minutes of the clash against Spurs before he was given a standing ovation as he was replaced by Zinchenko.
And, after the game, the defender – who is a contender to make Thomas Tuchel‘s first England squad after his impressive form – conducted a wholesome interview with Gunners legend Ian Wright.
‘Just happy, you know?,’ Lewis-Skelly said when reflecting on his feelings as he made his way off the pitch.
‘Just taking it in, soaking it in. This is amazing man. My mum, my grandma and my friends (were here).
‘I had to put on a show for my grandma, make sure I didn’t look soft in front of her. I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her, and hopefully she’s proud of me.’
Wright then pressed Lewis-Skelly on what it was like playing in his first north London derby having come through the Gunners’ youth academy.
‘It was amazing man,’ he added. ‘Everything I lived up to in my dreams… wow I just couldn’t believe it.
‘I had to take in every moment. I feel pressure but this is what we live for. Moments like this we live for. It’s a derby and we needed to win and that’s what we did today so I feel like a million dollars.’
And, following the interview, Gunners supporters took to social media to hail Lewis-Skelly.
‘Yeah this Myles guy is going right to the very top,’ one said. ‘Arsenal through and through. Enjoying a #NLD,’ added another.
A further fan chimed in: ‘This is so so so pure. What a talent. What a person he’s going to be for us. A true Arsenal man. Love to see it.’
Others pointed to the wholesome clip as one said: ‘Doing it for his mum and his grandma. Definitely made them proud! Future captain and legend.’
‘Grandma will be proud!! I’m sold I’m getting his shirt,’ an extra fan added.
Gunners fans weren’t the only ones to sing Lewis-Skelly’s praises, with both Declan Rice and Arteta joining in the acclaim for the youngster following the match.
‘It is scary,’ Rice told TNT Sports when discussing Lewis-Skelly’s ability. ‘I said the 18-year-olds now have no fear whatsoever.
‘There were four or five times where he has that Mousa Dembele trait. He uses his body to get away from stuff. To show that at 18 years old is unbelievable.’
‘He was phenomenal again today,’ Arteta added. ‘He is a real personality and has a real attitude about him, you need it to play against (Dejan) Kulusevski and (Brennan) Johnson.
‘The way he handled the situation and occasion was top.’
Arsenal’s victory saw them go within four points of top of the table Liverpool, although the Reds do have a game in hand.
Arteta’s side return to action on Saturday evening when they entertain Aston Villa.
