Arsenal have learnt lessons from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Erling Haaland celebration says Mikel Arteta | OneFootball

As Arsenal prepare to host Manchester City in a pivotal early-season clash at the Emirates on Sunday, Mikel Arteta has reflected on how his young side have matured since Myles Lewis-Skelly’s headline-making celebration against the champions last term.

Lewis-Skelly, then 17, imitated Erling Haaland’s trademark meditation pose after scoring in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over City in February, a response to earlier tensions between the two sides. The Norwegian striker had clashed with Arsenal players in a fiery 2-2 draw at the Etihad last September, telling Arteta to “stay humble” and questioning the teenager’s credentials.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta suggested those moments have become part of the club’s development. “If that was done, that’s it,” he said. “Every experience is to learn as well, and we certainly learned from that one.”

The Arsenal manager’s measured tone underlines a rivalry that has grown increasingly combative, with Arteta unbeaten in his last four encounters with Pep Guardiola’s side. Arsenal sit second in the Premier League with three wins from four, boasting the league’s best defensive record so far, their only concession a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool.

This summer’s £250m outlay has added depth and quality, with substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both scoring in their midweek Champions League win over Athletic Club. Arteta confirmed both are pushing for starts against City.

“It’s what we want,” he said. “When players are in that state, they have to be used and recognised.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle