Mikel Arteta gives Myles Lewis-Skelly verdict after the Arsenal star copied Erling Haaland's 'zen' celebration in Man City thrashing

Mikel Arteta has given his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s celebration following his goal against Manchester City after the Arsenal start copied Erling Haaland’s celebration.

The 18-year-old continued his impressive rise up the ranks at the Emirates as he was picked to start the game against the champions on Sunday, which Arsenal needed to win to stay within six points of Liverpool.

Arteta’s side did that in devastating fashion, with the Gunners putting five past their rivals to maintain their hopes of catching leaders Liverpool.

After Martin Odegaard had scored the opener, Haaland levelled things up, getting in front of William Saliba to head into the back of the net. The lead lasted mere minutes though, as Arsenal scored four more goals.

Among those goals were Lewis-Skelly, who scored just after the hour mark to make it 3-1 to his side. After doing so, he lowered himself to the floor and performed Haaland’s iconic celebration.

While the move has split opinion, Arteta, speaking prior to his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tie with Newcastle, has given his take on the matter. 

The 18-year-old performed Haaland’s celebration after scoring against Manchester City

Arteta said that playing at home and away is ‘very different’ and comes under consideration

‘Playing at home or away is very, very different,’ he said. ‘We talk about those things and we have to understand that each ground is different, their attitude, what they celebrate and what they don’t, is really very different up north as well to here in London.

‘It’s part of the context of the game.’

Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, is in line for an England promotion after his run of good form for Arsenal.

As Mail Sport revealed in January, the teenager has caught the eye of England scouts following his breakthrough year at the Emirates.

And his rapid rise is set to result in Lewis-Skelly advancing through the England system when international football resumes in March.

Sources are not ruling out a call-up for the youngster into Thomas Tuchel’s first squad selection for next month’s matches against Albania and Latvia, particularly given the national team’s clear problems at left back.

Failing that, Lewis-Skelly will earn his first-call up into the England Under-21s ahead of his expected promotion into the senior set-up.

The next international break starts on the week of March 17 and will be Tuchel’s first since taking over from Gareth Southgate and then Lee Carsley.

Jamie Carragher questioned Myles Lewis-Skelly’s celebration choice on Monday night

Lewis-Skelly’s mocking of Haaland came after the Man City forward frustrated Arsenal with a ‘stay humble’ jibe when the two sides met earlier this year. He has also clashed with defender Gabriel on more than one occasion.

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, revealed on Sky Sports that he felt Lewis-Skelly should somewhat know is place when it comes to Haaland.

‘I said about have football arrogance on the pitch and I loved it,’ Carragher said’. ‘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.’