ARSENAL whizkid Myles Lewis-Skelly took an astonishing 2-2 Etihad draw to new levels of bizarreness.
The sub, 17, was booked midway through the second half – 25 minutes BEFORE coming on for his Premier League debut.
The reason for the England Under-19 star’s yellow card in a thriller at champions Manchester City was unclear.
But one fact is certain – Mikel Arteta brought him on in stoppage time as 10-man Arsenal clung to a 2-1 lead, only for John Stones to bundle a 98th-minute equaliser for the champions.
However, it was the earlier incident by the dug-out midway through the second period that bemused viewers.
Lewis-Skelly was caught in an exchange of words and referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in dishing out a booking.
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It came as the Gunners defended deeper and deeper in the face of overwhelming possession from City.
Riccardo Calafiori’s brilliant curver and a header from Gabriel Magalhaes had overturned a typical early opener from City striker Erling Haaland.
But Leandro Trossard earned a controversial red card for a soft second booking just seconds before the interval.
But amid a series of other dramatic events, a caution for Lewis-Skelly still stood out for its strangeness.
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And social media reacted with bemusement.
One fan hailed the teenager for “achieving something remarkable at tender age of 17”.
He added: “Received his first yellow card before even getting on the field to make his Premier League debut. What a future awaits.”
Another viewer wrote: “Fair play to Lewis-Skelly, got to be the first player ever booked before making their debut.”
Normally a midfielder, the starlet can also play at left-back – and it was Jurrien Timber he replaced on 91 minutes.
And there was nothing he could do when City sub Stones scrambled a point-saver to put Pep Guardiola’s men back on top of the Prem by a point from Liverpool.
Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
