MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was dragged off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV.
The young defender was fortunate to escape being sent-off in the match for two yellow card challenges during the round of 16 first leg.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, was booked in the 24th minute for a foul deep inside his own half.
He was then penalised for a very late challenge on Richard Ledezma just two minutes later.
There were calls from the PSV players that Lewis-Skelly should be sent off by the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano kept his cards in his pocket.
Arsenal then stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to efforts from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino.
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After the goal from Merino went in, Mikel Arteta made the decision to sub Lewis-Skelly out of the action.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was sent on in place of the youngster.
Lewis-Skelly looked disappointed with himself as he slumped down on the bench to watch the remainder of the match.
BBC pundit Alan Shearer backed the substitution and admitted leaving him on would have been a “risk”.
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He said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is in a risky situation there having just been shown a yellow card.
“If he hadn’t received one just moments ago, then that would definitely be one. Arsenal have got away with one there.
“It was always going to be a matter of time before that change, Riccardo Calafiori for Lewis-Skelly took place.
“They have put themselves in a good position, three goals up, so why run the risk of going down to ten men. Sensible decision.”
He only picked up a red card in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.
The defender was the last man as he dragged down Mohammed Kudus who looked through on goal.
This followed the controversial dismissal for fouling Matt Doherty in the game against Wolves.
Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked early
ARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.
A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.
Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.
Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.
It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.
But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.
It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.
But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.
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He later saw his three-match ban overturned and Ref chief Howard Webb insisted that the decision, while wrong, was not a “horrendous” one.
Meanwhile, PSV were offered a route back into the match as Noa Lang converted from the spot before the break.
However, all hopes of a comeback looked over just three minutes into the second half as Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard both scored to make it 5-1.
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Odegaard made it two for himself and six on the night in the 73rd minute.
Lewis-Skelly’s replacement Calafiori wrapped up the scoring with Arsenal’s SEVENTH in the dying stages.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
