Ahead Of Arsenal Vs Man City, Arteta: We Learn From Lewis-Skelly Copy Of Haaland Celebration

Myles Lewis-Skelly imitated Erling Haaland's celebration when Arsenal slaughtered Manchester City (Instagram/@myleslewisskelly).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal players have learned from Myles Lewis-Skelly imitating Erling Haaland's celebration ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in an increasingly fierce match in recent seasons.

Haaland urged Arteta to remain humble following a 2-2 draw at Etihad a year ago, before Lewis-Skelly imitated striker's celebration when he scored in Arsenal's 5-1 win over Guardiola's side at Emirates in February 2025.

The young Lewis-Skelly, who has yet to start for Arsenal this season, has drawn criticism for the celebration.

"Yes, it has been done and that is part of it. There have been many celebrations in the past from many teams. The experience is to learn and develop as well and we certainly learn from it," said Arteta.

Arsenal played without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White in their Champions League win against Athletic Bilbao in Spain in the middle of the week.

Arteta hinted he might face Guardiola's troops without his third after revealing that they had not trained this week.

"If there is a chance (they will play), it will happen after tomorrow's training session because they haven't done anything. We'll get more information tomorrow."

"So far, everything has been modified for them. There are still a few things that need to be clarified."

"We will get more information about whether they are part of the squad (to fight Manchester City) or whether they have a chance to be part of the squad," Arteta said again.

Viktor Gyokeres was given a stitches due to a head injury after colliding with his teammate, Gabriel, but will be available.

Meanwhile, Arteta pushed down the sudden departure of one of its main allies following a massive overhaul at the Arsenal Board of Directors.

Arsenal announced on Friday, September 19, 2025, that Lewis's team - which has been an advisor to Arsenal owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), since 2007 and has served as Co-Chairman for the past two and a half years - has resigned.

Lewis, 62, who joined the Arsenal Board of Directors in 2020, played a key role with Arteta's Manager and Sports Director Andrea Berta in a massive summer shopping of 250 million pounds.

He is considered an important figure at the north London club. Co-Chairman Josh Kroenke is now ready to tighten control over the club's affairs.

"I am very grateful to Tim and what he has done for this football club, for the team, and for me personally."

"Everyone is in a different phase of life, needs a different thing, and only that, we continue."

"This club has a bright future. I am very optimistic about it. Every time I talk to (Chairman together) Stan (Kroenke) and Josh, as well as how much they want, the projection they have, the vision they have for this football club, the people around us, there is no doubt that there are big things ahead," Arteta asserted.