Emmanuel Petit, the former Arsenal midfielder, has recently criticized young player Miles Lewis-Skelly for his lack of humility and maturity on the field, particularly after the recent unfortunate events during Arsenal's last match against West Ham United.
During this match, the Gunners faced yet another setback, suffering a 1-0 loss at home. Lewis-Skelly, who had previously made headlines for scoring against Manchester City, came off the bench but found himself receiving a direct red card just minutes after entering the game. This incident has raised eyebrows and concerns, particularly from Petit, who has expressed disappointment over the young player's actions.
"Miles Lewis-Skelly must show more maturity. My main advice to him is to keep his feet on the ground," said Petit. The Frenchman, who won the Premier League with Arsenal back in 1998, believes it's time for Lewis-Skelly to let his performance speak for itself rather than making headlines for taunting rivals such as Erling Haaland. Lewis-Skelly had recently celebrated his goal with a pose reminiscent of Haaland’s meditation celebration, which Petit viewed as disrespectful.
Petit went on to highlight the consequences of impulsive actions on the pitch, noting, "It’s karma for him to get the red card." This incident not only jeopardized the team's chances during the match but is also part of a worrying trend for Arsenal this season. The team has seen players receiving unnecessary red cards, which hinder their potential to succeed, especially during crunch moments.
This season, Arsenal has faced numerous challenges, and Petit pointed out their struggles to maintain quality at pivotal games. "Arsenal cannot showcase quality when it really matters. Although, theoretically, they might still be able to win the title, they lack the character and attitude to do so," he remarked. The former player’s insights reflect a broader frustration echoed by fans and experts alike.
Petit’s commentary serves as both critique and advice for the young player, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and focus over showboaty antics. While the young players often bring excitement to the team, they must balance enthusiasm with the seriousness of their commitments, especially under high-pressure situations like playing for Arsenal.
Moving forward, it remains imperative for Lewis-Skelly to heed Petit’s advice and work diligently, letting his skills define him rather than his off-field behaviors. The Gunners will need their players at their best as they look to make up for this recent loss and navigate through the rest of the season.