Several Arsenal fans took to social media to voice their concerns about one player following the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round.
When Colby Bishop put the home side ahead on three minutes, some may have feared a giant killing was on the cards, but it took just five minutes for the Premier League leaders to draw level at Fratton Park thanks to Andre Dozzell’s own goal.
Mikel Arteta made ten changes to his line-up from the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Thursday (January 8), with only Gabriel retaining his place.
And the equaliser appeared to settle any fears of an upset with Gabriel Martinelli putting Arsenal 2-1 up on 25 minutes.
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England winger Noni Madueke had the chance to make it three from the penalty spot but dragged his spot kick wide.
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However, Martinelli made it 3-1 from close-range on 51 minutes, before adding his third and Arsenal’s fourth with 18 minutes left to play.
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Despite it being a relatively routine victory over the Championship side, some fans were still quick to voice their thoughts about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performance, with the 19-year-old left-back starting the game.
One fan said: “MLS's talent is being wasted here, unfortunately. He isn't a fullback. Use him as an inverted fb or in the midfield or see him get dribbled past and play horrible football. We have to stop complaining and start realising why he was so good last year.”
Another added: “I blame Gabriel Heinze entirely for Myles Lewis Skelly’s form this season.
“Bros still got them half turns, but ever since he was turned into Heinze’s pet project, it’s been a rough watch.”
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A third claimed: “Very clear stock rising is Ethan Nwaneri today, and stock falling Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“Which is worrying, considering it’s the latter we really need right now with our current injuries."
While a fourth commented: “Myles Lewis Skelly needs to be put out of his misery. He is having an absolute stinker. For the second consecutive game, he has put every foot wrong. Can't even do the basics anymore. Needs to recover his form fast. General Arteta is not a patient man at all.”
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A fifth exclaimed: “Myles Lewis Skelly has been poor in both defence and attack all season. All he does is shield the ball and fall headfirst when he feels contact.”
Arsenal’s trip to Fratton Park was the first of four away matches in four competitions across the next 10 days.
The Gunners return to action against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday (January 14).
Three days later, on Saturday (January 17), Arsenal will take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before travelling to Northern Italy for their penultimate Champions League league phase clash against Serie A side Inter the following Tuesday (January 20).
Topics: Arsenal, FA Cup, Football, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
Luke Davies