“He had more than 45 touches, won 9 duels and completed 100% of his dribbles,”- Arsenal Legend Patrick Vieira launched huge praises on exceptional Arsenal star- Real Madrid couldn’t handle him- Not Declan Rice, Not Saka and not Partey
Arsenal booked their spot in the last four of the Champions League after a brilliant performance against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Gunners had a comfortable 3-0 advantage from the first leg of the quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium, but they still had plenty to do on the road.
The first half was evenly matched between the sides, but Arsenal should have extended the lead.
Bukayo Saka squandered a big chance from the penalty spot. Madrid were handed a penalty of their own, but it was chalked off after an extended VAR review
Arsenal were the much better side after the interval. Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute before Vinicius Junior scored from a William Saliba error.
Gabriel Martinelli put the gloss on Arsenal’s display with a late stoppage-time winner.
The Gunners were brilliant in the defensive scheme of things. Declan Rice was handed the man of the match for a second-straight European game for a fine display.
Thomas Partey and Saliba were also excellent, with several clearances towards the end.
Arteta shares updates on Rice, Saka and Calafiori
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However, Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira particularly impressed by Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was exceptional from left-back.
The 18-year-old has had a fabulous breakthrough campaign and showed his class with the ball.
He was brilliant with his ball-carrying ability over 90 minutes, barring a solitary moment.
Lewis-Skelly won nine out of 11 duels contested. He also made four recoveries and five clearances.
The teenager completed 100% of his dribbles and was fouled on five occasions by Los Blancos.
Lewis-Skelly, who had 45 touches at the Bernabeu, handed a tough time for Madrid’s midfield with his regular inverted runs.
With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, we may see Lewis-Skelly deployed from the holding midfield position.
Riccardo Calafiori could start at left-back if fit. Otherwise, Jurrien Timber could be the left-back, with Ben White operating from the right side of the back four.
Stats from Fotmob.com