SHOCK new footage has revealed the “dark arts” that led to Myles Lewis-Skelly being booked before making his debut.
The 17-year-old was given a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver as he warmed-up on the sidelines during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
With the Gunners leading 2-1 after 65 minutes, Lewis-Skelly left the dugout for a jog alongside other substitutes.
The ball then goes out of play for an Arsenal goal-kick as David Raya takes his time with the restart.
He eventually places the ball back on the pitch and then falls to the ground, claiming an injury.
But shock footage obtained by The Mail shows Lewis-Skelly walk away from the sidelines and trot down along the goal line.
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He appears to communicate with Raya, who then drops to the floor hurt.
As the goalkeeper receives treatment, Mikel Arteta delivered a team talk to his players.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly went into the referee’s book, seemingly over his chat with Raya.
The PGMOL confirmed he was carded for “showing a lack of respect for the game” under gamesmanship rules.
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Incredibly, the booking for Lewis-Skelly came 30 minutes BEFORE entering the pitch for his debut.
On Raya hitting the deck, Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: “There is no doubt that is a tactic.”
Arsenal’s “dark arts” left Man City raging, with tensions boiling over at full-time.
Erling Haaland threw a ball at Gabriel’s head after John Stones’ late equaliser and he then told Arteta to “stay humble” as the players shook hands.
He also appeared to exchange words with Lewis-Skelly.
City players voiced their displeasure at Arsenal’s tactics after the final whistle, with Bernardo Silva saying: “There was only one team that came to play football.
“The other came to play to the limits of what was possible to do and allowed by the referee, unfortunately.
“I’m glad we always enter the pitch to try to win every match.”
Stones added: “They get the keeper on the floor so they can get some information on to the pitch. We had to control our emotions during those tough times.
“I wouldn’t say they have mastered it but they have done it for a few years now so we knew to expect that.
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“You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it, but they break up the game which upsets the rhythm.
So far this season, Arsenal have wasted the most time on average when the game stops for corners, free-kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, penalties, drop balls and throw-ins.
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
