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Arsenal star gets yellow card 25 minutes BEFORE his Premier League debut amid bizarre scenes in 2-2 draw at Man City


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.

Myles Lewis-Skelly saw yellow after a dugout incident
He appeared unperturbed by the odd incident
Lewis-Skelly made his debut as a late replacement for Jurrien TimberCredit: Getty

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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The starlet was on the pitch for seven fateful minutesCredit: Getty

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And social media reacted with bemusement.

One fan hailed the teenager for “achieving something remarkable at tender age of 17”.

Mikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in country

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


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