Arsenal's young prospects demonstrated their potential during a recent friendly match against Cesc Fabregas' Como side, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring and 16-year-old Marli Salmon delivering a notable defensive performance. The match, which ended 1-1 before Arsenal secured a 4-3 penalty shootout victory, also highlighted growing doubts over striker Gabriel Jesus's future with the club.
Lewis-Skelly, amidst reports of interest from other clubs, asserted his presence by scoring in the first half. His goal, assisted by Gabriel Martinelli, was met with chants from the crowd, reinforcing his connection to the club. Following his goal, Lewis-Skelly made a heart-shaped celebration, interpreted as a signal of his commitment to Arsenal. The midfielder, who featured in last season's Champions League final, has been a subject of transfer speculation, though the club has reportedly dismissed these claims.
Another young player, Marli Salmon, also stood out. The 16-year-old defender earned a start in a center-back role, a rare occurrence for a player his age in a senior first-team match. Salmon displayed composure and resilience against the physical challenge, with his runs and confidence on the ball drawing attention. Manager Mikel Arteta's faith in the teenager was evident as Salmon remained on the pitch until the 88th minute, receiving an embrace from Arteta upon his substitution. This performance marks a significant step for Salmon, who has previously played at right-back in occasional first-team appearances.
Jesus's Struggles Continue
Gabriel Jesus started the match in the number nine position, seemingly presented with an opportunity by manager Mikel Arteta to prove his form. However, his contribution was limited, and he was substituted in the 32nd minute for Viktor Gyokeres. A significant moment in Jesus's brief appearance was a missed opportunity in the sixth minute when he struck the goalpost with an open goal at his mercy. This miss appeared to impact his confidence for the remainder of his time on the field. With the Community Shield against Manchester City looming as one of the last remaining fixtures before the season, the window for Jesus to solidify his position appears to be closing.
The match also offered a touchline reunion, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta facing off against former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas, who managed the Como side. The pair, who once played together at Arsenal, shared a moment of mutual respect, with Fabregas speaking to the press for over ten minutes while Arteta waited to greet him post-match.
Arsenal is preparing to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.