Arsenal supporters will never forget Tuesday night. In a spectacular performance beneath the lights of the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners crushed Real Madrid, the current Champions League winners, 3-0 thanks to two outstanding free kicks from Declan Rice and a booming goal from Mikel Merino.
No one could have predicted such a victory, not even in the most optimistic hopes of a north Londoner. As Mikel Arteta’s team gets closer to their first Champions League semi-final since 2009—and only their third overall—Bukayo Saka and the goal scorers will undoubtedly take centre stage in the media, but two more unsung heroes also deserve recognition.
Most defenders would be afraid to tackle the mountain of keeping Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo quiet, two of the most explosive wingers in international football and strong candidates for the Ballon d’Or. However, the full-backs for Arsenal handled it really well, extinguishing two of Carlo Ancelotti’s most brilliant sparks.
Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Defensive Masterclass
The full-backs played an important role in thwarting the great Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior was remarkably silent for the entire ninety minutes; he lost all but one of his ground duels and had no successful dribbles, shots on goal, or crucial passes. Rodrygo’s situation wasn’t any better. The Brazilian livewire made two fouls, lost possession five times, failed to test the keeper, and was unable to get past Timber once.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, on the other hand, gave a cool and dominant performance. In addition to setting up Merino’s goal, he won four of seven duels, completed 95% of his passes, and was never dribbled past. In addition to winning eight of his fifteen duels and making two of his three dribble attempts, Timber, who was patrolling the opposing wing, contributed with an interception and four tackles.
It takes some skill to make both of Real Madrid’s wingers appear devastated and completely shellshocked, and soon after, Gunners fans took to social media to praise the effort the full-back combination did to help Arsenal win a historic match. According to one X user, “Myles Lewis Skelly is one of the best players in football.” Another said:
“Myles Lewis-Skelly is slowly becoming that player that you find frustrating to press, so you just let him do whatever he wants because he’ll make you look like a fool anyways.”
Lewis-Skelly, who is only eighteen, “played with full confidence and full belief,” according to Wayne Rooney’s post-match analysis, which also highlighted his fearlessness as a crucial component of his future success.
Another Arsenal supporter, who was rightfully swept up in the excitement, remarked, “Timber being the best right back in the world isn’t talked enough about.” “Timber is such a joy to watch,” was the second compliment directed at the Dutchman. A third wrote: “Vini and Rodrygo have been so disappointing,” while another said: “What a baller man.” Lewis-Skelly and Timber are amazing. Saka is of no assistance.
However, the Gunners still have a return leg travel to the Bernabeu next week to complete their mission. However, since they will enter that match with a 3-0 lead, Arteta’s club may now hope for the elusive Champions League title, and Timber and Lewis-Skelly’s performances demonstrate that if their full potential is to be achieved, it will take a collective effort.
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