'He was phenomenal': Mikel Arteta left completely blown away by 'unbelievable' Arsenal star vs Tottenham

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Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly had the daunting task of starting in his very first North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

However, Myles Lewis-Skelly has proved during his time in Arsenal’s first-team that he feels little to no pressure.

Mikel Arteta gave the 18-year-old the tough test of going toe-to-toe with Dejan Kulusevki and eventually, Brennan Johnson.

However, Bukayo Saka lauded Lewis-Skelly’s mentality and that was there for all to see against Spurs.

The youngster was tasked with drifting into midfield from left-back, providing a sense of calmness in possession while also defending adeptly — a quite complex role that he made look like child’s play.

Mikel Merino is a huge fan of Lewis-Skelly, as would anyone associated with Arsenal be as he continues to prove his quality at the highest level.

Mikel Arteta hails Myles Lewis-Skelly after Arsenal vs Tottenham

The teenage talent particularly stole the show defensively.

Making tackle after tackle against the Gunners, the Englishman is the role reason why both Kulusevski as well as Johnson had quiet games out on the right flank.

After Arsenal defeated Tottenham, Mikel Arteta was quizzed by TNT Sports about his thoughts on Lewis-Skelly’s performance and it’s safe to say that he was left floored.

“Unbelievable. He was phenomenal today I think. He’s a real personality, he has so much trust in himself, he has an attitude about him because you have to play against [Dejan] Kulusevski and [Brennan] Johnson today.”

“The way he handled the situation, the occassion as well, he was top I think.”

Lewis-Skelly was embraced by Arsenal legend Ian Wright and got a standing ovation at the Emirates Stadium as he well and truly stepped up to the plate.

Mikel Arteta admitted Lewis-Skelly keeps surprising him and once again, the Spaniard was left seemingly stunned by the highly-rated technician’s brilliance.

Arteta has pinpointed Lewis-Skelly’s versatility, revealing that he can not only play as a left-back and in central midfield but also as a number six — as his tactical understanding of the game seems through the roof.

Myles Lewis-Skelly stats during Arsenal vs Tottenham

Playing against Tottenham is never an easy task for an Arsenal player.

Regardless of the form Spurs find themselves in, they always seem up for the battle due to the game ultimately being a derby.

Ange Postecoglou would have drilled the message into his Tottenham player to display their best selves against Arsenal as well.

However, Lewis-Skelly’s statistics from the clash highlight that he was oozing with confidence from the first whistle.

The highly-rated youngster was not dribbled past even once, which goes to show how incredible a game he had.

In possession as well, Lewis-Skelly was a joy to watch, completing 30 out of his 32 passes.

Winning four tackles and four out of his five duels, the Arsenal academy graduate was a real thorn in the visitors’ side.

All in all, Lewis-Skelly has given Mikel Arteta yet another reason to persist with him in the starting XI.