Mikel Arteta Reacts to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Controversial Red Card Against Wolves
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his frustration over the controversial red card shown to young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s tense Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 18-year-old academy graduate, who has been impressing in his limited first-team appearances, was sent off in the second half of the game, leaving Arsenal to battle with ten men for the remainder of the match.
The incident occurred in the 65th minute when Lewis-Skelly went in for a challenge near the halfway line. The referee deemed the tackle reckless and showed him a straight red card, a decision that sparked immediate protests from the Arsenal bench and players. Wolves, already trailing by a goal, seized the opportunity to ramp up their pressure, forcing Arsenal to defend resolutely to secure their narrow 1-0 victory.
After the match, Arteta didn’t hold back his thoughts on the decision. Speaking to reporters, the Arsenal boss voiced his disappointment with the officiating and defended Lewis-Skelly. “I’m extremely frustrated with that red card,” Arteta said. “It’s a decision that I feel was very harsh. Myles went for the ball, and while the challenge was firm, there was no malice in it. He’s a young player who is still learning, and moments like this are part of his development. But I believe the punishment was excessive.”
Arteta also highlighted the impact the red card had on the game, praising his team’s resilience in difficult circumstances. “The decision put us in a really tough spot. Playing with ten men for the last 25 minutes against a team like Wolves is never easy. But I’m proud of the way the players dug deep and showed incredible character to hold onto the lead,” he added.
The red card overshadowed what had been a promising performance from Lewis-Skelly up to that point. The teenager had displayed his usual composure and energy in midfield, contributing both defensively and in transition. His dismissal, however, cut short his chance to make a full impact on the game, and Arteta was quick to offer words of encouragement for the youngster. “Myles will learn from this. He’s got so much potential, and setbacks like this will only make him stronger. We’ll support him and make sure he moves on from it positively,” Arteta said.
The decision also drew mixed reactions from pundits and fans. While some felt the referee was justified in brandishing the red card, others argued that a yellow card would have sufficed, considering Lewis-Skelly’s intent and the context of the challenge. The controversy has reignited discussions about consistency in refereeing decisions, with many calling for clearer guidelines on what constitutes a red-card offense.
Despite the setback, Arsenal managed to secure all three points thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning goal earlier in the match. The win keeps the Gunners in the hunt for the Premier League title and demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity.
As for Lewis-Skelly, the young midfielder will now face a suspension, but Arteta remains confident in his ability to bounce back. “He’s got the right mentality to come through this stronger. These moments happen, especially for young players, and it’s about how you respond. Myles has our full support,” Arteta concluded.
The red card may have added drama to an already intense game, but Arsenal’s grit and determination ensured that the result went their way. For Lewis-Skelly, this will undoubtedly be a learning experience as he continues to grow in his burgeoning career.