Why Mikel Arteta fumed at Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal perfection demanded in Chelsea win
Myles Lewis-Skelly was the target of Mikel Arteta's shouts in Arsenal win over Chelsea(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
When you win a Premier League title, you have to be basically perfect, but if you want to win another, you have to be almost better than perfect. Mikel Arteta is a man who wants his team to become even better versions of themselves than the side that ended the 22-year-long wait for the crown.
It was evident from his words after the game, which followed a pulsating clash between his Arsenal side and title-challenging tips Chelsea, and his actions on the touchline too, especially with several of his stars for both the good and the not so good. The 2-1 scoreline certainly flattered a Chelsea side who produced 0.35 expected goals, compared to the Gunners’ 2.11.
But they had to show real mettle after not only conceding early but to a player whom Arteta, in particular, was very keen on. You could hear post-match just how much he appreciated the player in how he described Morgan Rogers’ goal.
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“There are some things that we do badly in that goal that we discussed before, but credit to [Rogers] as well, that from that ball in the air, somebody's able to put the ball very close to the post and score against David, which is not easy.”
What could have been? Well, what is, is Christos Tzolis off the Arsenal left, who was again excellent and just kept going, getting an assist too.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard were no doubt the standouts, both scoring in the game. Two excellent finishes after brilliant moves, bamboozling Chelsea and bringing joy to their game.
Arteta says that ‘happiness’ is clearly an important emotion which he associates with the “Yeah, he looks, again, he looks happy, he looks settled, he looks happy,” Arteta said about Havertz specifically. “His personal life, some great things have happened as well.
“He feels fit, he's training every day, he has this routine right now, and he's scoring goals, and not only that, but he’s been an amazing work for the team.”
When Odegaard and Havertz came off the field Arteta shared a ferocious hug and handshake with both of them. Odegaard nearly missed his manager with the delight of his performance and Arteta spotted him, dragged him back and gave him a real chest bump of appreciation.
As mentioned, Arteta was demanding plenty of his team. Constantly barking instructions and to a back line that has never started a game together.
There was a moment in the second half, 2-1 up, where Myles Lewis-Skelly lost the ball in the middle of the park, leading to a Chelsea chance which was hit mercifully over the bar. As the Hale Ender jogged back into the midfield as Raya prepared to take his goal-kick, Arteta was nearly on the halfway line shouting to the 19-year-old, perhaps to suggest not making such an error again.
After missing out on adding attacking depth, Arteta said that he loves the players that he has, but pressed on whether seeing Havertz and Odegaard perform as they did was what he was referring to is where the comment regarding the upgrade came from.
“No, I think, well, it's no question that we have some great players, you know, and we really believe in them, and can they improve?” Arteta asked rhetorically. “Yes, I can improve the first one, and they can have another version of themselves that is even better than anything that we've seen, and if the team is better and the players are better, everybody's going to be benefiting from it, and that's the objective that we have.”
Another version of the title winning side? That is quite an exciting prospect.
However, and I may receive criticism for bringing this up but I’d be betraying myself if I didn’t. In this past week I have received so many messages questioning why Viktor Gyokeres has not been getting any minutes.
The substitute performance we saw on Sunday provoked plenty of frustration from his manager. A free run to counter, a bad touch surrendered possession, and then on the far side to the dugouts, giving away the ball despite winning the initial duel.
Havertz is the undisputed centre-forward, and both his and Odegaard’s critics have needed to be quiet. Hopefully, they stay that way.
Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV
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