Myles Lewis-Skelly Became Youngest Player to Receive Two Premier League Red Cards.
Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly made unwanted history in the Premier League after receiving a straight red card in the Gunners’ frustrating 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.
The loss at the Emirates dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, keeping them eight points behind Liverpool, who could extend their lead to 11 points with a victory over Manchester City.
As if the defeat wasn’t painful enough, Arsenal were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a last-man challenge on Mohammed Kudus. Initially shown a yellow card, referee Craig Pawson upgraded it to red after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
At just 18 years and 121 days old, Lewis-Skelly has now become the youngest player in Premier League history to receive two red cards in a single season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card History
This was Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of the 2024-25 campaign. His first dismissal came in January during Arsenal’s clash with Wolves, where referee Michael Oliver controversially sent him off for a challenge on Matt Doherty. That decision was later overturned on appeal, sparing the left-back from suspension.
However, Arsenal are unlikely to challenge his latest red card, which came under different circumstances. Since the offense was for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity rather than serious foul play, Lewis-Skelly will serve a one-match suspension and will miss Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
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Mikel Arteta Reacts to Lewis-Skelly’s Dismissal
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was hesitant to comment on the referee’s decision without reviewing the footage:
“I haven’t seen it back, but honestly, I would focus on what we have to do. I don’t know if the decision was right or wrong. I haven’t seen it to evaluate it. But I think we should have done better today—it wasn’t enough.”
Who Will Replace Lewis-Skelly Against Nottingham Forest?
With Lewis-Skelly suspended, Arsenal have several options to fill the left-back role. Riccardo Calafiori, who started against West Ham, is the most likely candidate, despite a shaky performance.
Arteta could also turn to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was deployed in midfield in the second half, or give opportunities to Kieran Tierney or Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal’s Selection Woes Continue
The Gunners suffered another injury setback, as Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri was forced off in the second half. Arteta will be hoping for good news ahead of a crucial stretch in Arsenal’s season.
Can Arsenal bounce back without Lewis-Skelly against Nottingham Forest? Stay tuned for updates.
