5 duels won, 95% passes completed: This Arsenal player outshone Christos Tzolis against Coventry City

Arsenal’s title defence got off to the perfect start at The Emirates tonight.

The Gunners downed Coventry City with ease to kick-off their title defence as goals from Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were enough.

Arsenal fans were robbed of the chance to see a debut for Bruno Guimaraes, although Christos Tzolis did play and play very well, while Ezri Konsa was also introduced as a new player.

Interestingly, the lack of Guimaraes in the midfield paved the way for Myles Lewis-Skelly to start.

And while fellow new signing Tzolis was the talk of the town for Arsenal fans, it was the performance of Lewis-Skelly that went under the radar.

Myles Lewis-Skelly showed why Arsenal need to keep him v Coventry

There is still talk of Myles Lewis-Skelly being sold this summer. Man United are supposedly keen and with any sale counting towards full profit for the club, it has to be considered.

However, on this evidence, the Gunners simply have to keep him.

Lewis-Skelly was brilliant in the middle of the park and interestingly, his defensive work was just as good as his front foot work.

The youngster won a game high five duels in the middle of the park while still maintaining a 95% passing accuracy rate from 80 attempted passes.

Lewis-Skelly also drew three fouls to relieve pressure and his pass into Riccardo Calafiori in the second half was only just overhit, or he’d have had a brilliant assist.

Crucially as well, the Arsenal man also completed 100% of his attempted long-balls, showing he can mix it up with his passing as well.

All in all, this was a performance of real maturity from Lewis-Skelly. Not only did he show his class, but he also showed just why he cannot be sold.