Myles Lewis-Skelly was substituted just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s dominant 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV.
The young defender was lucky to stay on the pitch after making two challenges that could have resulted in a second yellow card during the first leg of the round of 16.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, received a yellow card in the 24th minute for a foul in his own half.
Just two minutes later, he was again penalised for a challenge on Richard Ledezma.
PSV players appealed for a second yellow, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano decided against it.
Arsenal then took a commanding three-goal lead with goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino.
Following Merino’s goal, Mikel Arteta decided to substitute Lewis-Skelly.
Riccardo Calafiori replaced the young player.
Lewis-Skelly appeared disappointed as he watched the rest of the game from the bench.
Alan Shearer, a pundit, supported the substitution, saying that keeping Lewis-Skelly on the field would have been too risky.
Shearer commented: “Myles Lewis-Skelly was in a dangerous position after receiving a yellow card.”
“If he hadn’t been booked earlier, the second challenge would definitely have warranted a yellow. Arsenal were fortunate to avoid further punishment.”
“It was inevitable that Lewis-Skelly would be substituted for Riccardo Calafiori.”
“With a three-goal lead, there was no need to risk playing with ten men. It was a sensible decision.”
Lewis-Skelly recently received a red card in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat against West Ham in the Premier League.
He was sent off for a foul on Mohammed Kudus, who was through on goal.
Prior to that, he was controversially dismissed for a challenge on Matt Doherty against Wolves.
His three-match ban for the Wolves red card was later overturned, with Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledging the decision was incorrect, though not “horrendous”.
PSV managed to pull a goal back before halftime with Noa Lang scoring a penalty.
However, Arsenal quickly extended their lead in the second half, with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard scoring to make it 5-1.
Odegaard scored again, making it 6-1 in the 73rd minute.
Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly’s replacement, completed the scoring, securing Arsenal’s seventh goal late in the game.
Marcus Bellamy