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Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:34 am GMT
In an unexpected twist during a thrilling match between Arsenal and Manchester City, 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly made headlines for a bizarre incident: he received a yellow card before even stepping onto the pitch for his Premier League debut. This unusual occurrence has sparked both confusion and amusement among fans as the Gunners and City battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Unprecedented Booking Before Debut
During the second half of the match, referee Michael Oliver issued a yellow card to Lewis-Skelly while he was warming up alongside the touchline. The booking took place in the 65th minute, a surprising moment given that Lewis-Skelly did not actually enter the game until the 92nd minute. This incident has led many to question the circumstances surrounding the card, as the reason remains unclear.
– Lewis-Skelly is now recorded as the first player in Premier League history to be cautioned before making his debut.
– He replaced Jurrien Timber, who was taken off due to cramp as the match approached its conclusion.
Fans took to social media to express their astonishment and humor over the incident. One supporter remarked, “What a future awaits the teen for achieving something remarkable at 17!” Another similarly noted, “Fair play to Lewis-Skelly, got to be the first player ever booked before making their debut.”
Match Overview
The match itself was full of intense action. Arsenal initially took command after Erling Haaland’s early goal for City. Quick responses from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes saw the Gunners lead 2-1 at halftime.
Here are some key moments from the game:
- Haaland opened the scoring with a striking goal for City.
- Calafiori equalized with a stunning long-range effort.
- Magalhaes scored just before halftime, giving Arsenal a brief lead.
- Leandro Trossard received a controversial red card just before the break, shifting momentum in City’s favor.
As the second half progressed, Arsenal found themselves defending deeply against an aggressive City side. The Gunners were down to ten men following Trossard’s dismissal for a second yellow card, which left them under immense pressure. Despite their efforts, City managed to salvage a point in the dying seconds of the match when John Stones scored a late equalizer.
Reactions from the Players and Coaches
After the match, both teams expressed mixed emotions. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the resilience of his team, especially in the face of adversity.
“The lads fought hard and showed great spirit to hold onto their lead for so long,” he said. “Of course, we are disappointed to concede so late, but there are positives to take from the performance.”
Man City’s Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on the dramatic finish. “We showed great determination to come back. It’s a testament to the character of this team,” he noted.
Player ratings from the match reflected the ups and downs of both squads. Here are brief highlights:
- David Raya: 9 — Impressive shot-stopping kept Arsenal in the game.
- Gabriel: 9 — Solid defensive performance alongside a goal.
- Ricardo Calafiori: 8 — A memorable full debut with a crucial goal.
- Leandro Trossard: 4 — Costly mistakes led to his dismissal.
Looking Ahead
After this draw, Manchester City remains at the top of the Premier League table with 13 points from five matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, sits in fourth place with a total of 11 points.
Both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, with Arsenal hoping to build on their performance against City. The league continues to showcase intense competition, and with players like Lewis-Skelly emerging onto the scene, fans can expect more memorable moments as the season unfolds.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s strange yellow card shows just how surprising football can be. This is a story that people will talk about for a long time, especially as he starts what many believe will be an exciting career.