Jamie Carragher reveals why he didn't like Miles Lewis-Skelly mimicking Erling Haaland - and pinpoints Declan Rice's crucial role amid Arsenal's celebrations
Jamie Carragher reveals why he didn't like Miles Lewis-Skelly mimicking Erling Haaland - and pinpoints Declan Rice's crucial role amid Arsenal's celebrations
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Jamie Carragher has revealed that he wasn't impressed with Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly after he mocked Erling Haaland in their clash on Sunday night. Haaland and his City teammates were on the receiving end of a 5-1 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates - where Myles Lewis-Skelly copied Haaland's celebration after scoring. It was an act that many suggested was done to mock the Norwegian after he previously taunted the Arsenal teenager in their clash earlier in the season.
While It's All Kicking Off host Chris Sutton saw the funny side to Lewis-Skelly's celebration, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher took an opposing view. Speaking on Monday night, Carragher explained: 'I said about have football arrogance on the pitch and I loved it. I didn't like this because he's a young player mimicking Haaland, taking the mick. 'I know what Haaland said but he's a young player and we all get carried away as young players. It's a huge moment for him'.
Jamie Carragher questioned Myles Lewis-Skelly's celebration choice on Monday night. Lewis-Skelly appeared to mock Erling Haaland after scoring against City on Sunday evening. Haaland found the back of the net at the Emirates but could not prevent the heavy defeat. Declan Rice show real leadership! #ARSMCI #MNF pic.twitter.com/Fbeel2xB3V. The former Liverpool defender then went on to highlight Declan Rice's role during the celebrations and took a moment to praise the Arsenal defensive midfielder.
'Declan Rice is telling him to get back in position. This is what senior players should be doing to young players. 'For me, yes, he got a little carried away, we've all done that as young players but senior players and the manager in the dressing room will say 'you're doing fantastic, just calm down a little bit' and they've definitely got one there in Declan Rice.'. Meanwhile, shortly after the full-time whistle, Arsenal's account on X posted a picture of Lewis-Skelly's celebration with the caption: 'This Team'.
Haaland's father Alfie - who made 38 appearances for City between 2000-03 - replied to the post and said: 'This Team that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not'. Haaland Snr was seemingly mocking the lack of silverware that Arsenal have won in recent years, having fallen short in their title races against Man City. Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, was given a standing ovation after being withdrawn by Arteta in the 90th minute on Sunday.
His goal, where he cut inside before firing a shot which Stefan Ortega could only parry in off the post, put Arsenal 3-1 up as they produced a superb performance in a 5-1 victory. Carragher later heaped praise on Declan Rice and his professionalism in the celebrations. The midfielder was spotted telling his young teammates to keep their focus in the match. Martin Odegaard put the hosts ahead early on after capitalising on an error by Manuel Akanji, before Haaland briefly restored parity in the second half.
Arsenal were back in front just a minute later through Thomas Partey's deflected effort, with Lewis-Skelly then giving the home side a two-goal cushion. It was one-way traffic in the latter stages as further strikes by Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri put the gloss on a sublime evening for Mikel Arteta's side. Lewis-Skelly and Haaland previously clashed at the Etihad earlier this year after the Gunners had drawn 2-2 with City in September.