Arsenal find answer to left-back conundrum in brilliant Lewis-Skelly

MIKEL ARTETA did not hold back in his praise for Myles Lewis-Skelly after his first Champions League start as Arsenal's latest graduate more than repaid the faith.

Lewis-Skelly showed the confidence and understanding of a player with more than 100 appearances under his belt as the Gunners saw off Monaco 3-0.

Brave on the ball and playing a key role in Arsenal's first goal - this was a night he can remember fondly.

While Arteta continues to worry about just how many injuries are piling up in North London - at least he now has someone he can trust at left-back.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori sidelined and Jurrien Timber not ready to start, the 18-year-old was given the nod ahead of Kieran Tierney.

Arteta hailed the youngster after his Champions League debut versus Monaco, saying: "A really proud moment. He’s one of our own.

"It’s just a joy to watch it him, a privilege to be able to give the chance to somebody. He took the chance."

Gunners fans have had glimpses in the past, especially when he was involved in a spat with Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland before he had even turned 18.

But with his progress this season having been hindered by an infected toe, supporters have had to wait a while longer for a proper display.

There was plenty to be excited about here, with even Bukayo Saka raving about his display, saying: "His future is very bright.

"He just needs to keep the same head that he has got, his mentality is top and he is always asking questions, looking to learn. I'm so proud of him.

"I just said to him, like I said to him before the game - this is his level.

"He needs to have no doubts and play with confidence.

“What he’s doing, we see it in training. I was pleased with him, he was a big part of the first goal.”

Despite being the youngest player to start in the Champions League for Arsenal since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011, Lewis-Skelly was not lacking in confidence.

Whether that was on the ball, taking possession in tight spaces and always looking to play forwards, or telling other far more senior team-mates where they should be.

Lewis-Skelly completed a very impressive 45 of 47 attempted passes, always looking to keep the tempo up and with team-mates not afraid to hand him the ball.

Arteta asks his full-backs to move inside when the Gunners are in possession and, having come through the ranks as a midfielder, the teen looks more than comfortable doing so.

It was from this position he helped craft the opener.

Having shifted inside alongside Declan Rice, Lewis-Skelly collected a pass from skipper Martin Odegaard.

Under pressure from Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, the No49 took a touch backwards to draw the Frenchman in before darting forwards, leaving him stranded.

The England Under-19 settled himself and quickly set Gabriel Jesus in behind with a fine pass, from where the Brazilian squared to setup Saka.

As the Gunners had to dig in after the break, Arteta sent on the more experienced Timber to shore things up.

But Lewis-Skelly still departed to a standing ovation - surely not the last he will receive from Arsenal supporters.