Key Points
- Myles Lewis-Skelly praised Arsenal’s “frightening” frontline depth following their 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.
- Arsenal are the only team to win all seven Champions League group stage matches this season, positioning them to top their group.
- Gabriel Jesus scored a brace in his first start in the competition since December 2024, after returning from an 11-month knee injury.
- Viktor Gyokeres substituted to score the third goal, his second in three games, intensifying competition for the number nine position.
- Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma for Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal hold a seven-point lead.
- Lewis-Skelly challenged teammates to “send out another message of intent” against Manchester United.
- The win at San Siro boosts Arsenal ahead of the “pivotal” Premier League clash.
North London (Arsenal News) January 21, 2026 – Arsenal’s versatile midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has lauded the club’s “frightening” attacking options after their commanding 3-1 Champions League triumph over Inter Milan at San Siro. The north London side, managed by Mikel Arteta, head into Sunday’s crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium brimming with confidence from this victory. Lewis-Skelly urged his colleagues to deliver another strong statement to rivals in the league.
Gabriel Jesus marked his first start in the competition since December 2024 with two goals, silencing doubters after an 11-month absence due to a devastating knee injury. Viktor Gyokeres then came off the bench to net the third, his second goal in three outings, as Arsenal became the sole unbeaten side in the Champions League group stage with seven victories from seven. Arteta’s team now eye a seven-point Premier League lead solidification against United.
What Made Arsenal’s Win Over Inter Milan So Impressive?
The 3-1 scoreline underscored Arsenal’s dominance in Italy, with Jesus’ double setting the tone early. As detailed in the original coverage, Jesus struck twice before Gyokeres sealed the points late on, turning a memorable night into a statement of supremacy. Lewis-Skelly, reflecting post-match, highlighted the squad’s unity:
“It’s frightening for me to see all the options we have up top. That’s another strength of ours, our depth. Every player is happy to play, every player is happy to support, and that’s why we’re such a good bunch.”.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical acumen shone through, with the Spanish coach navigating a high-stakes fixture abroad. Arsenal’s flawless Champions League record – victories in all seven group games – positions them to finish top, a feat no other club has matched this term. The performance at San Siro not only advanced their European campaign but also amplified pressure on domestic foes.
How Does Lewis-Skelly View Arsenal’s Attacking Depth?
Myles Lewis-Skelly, the young talent breaking through Arsenal’s ranks, minced no words on the forward line’s potency. He stated:
“It’s frightening for me to see all the options we have up top.”
This assessment, drawn directly from post-match remarks, emphasises the versatility across positions. Lewis-Skelly further elaborated on the collective spirit:
“Every player is happy to play, every player is happy to support, and that’s why we’re such a good bunch.”
The midfielder tied this depth to broader ambitions, noting the Inter win’s significance:
“It was a massive (statement). Before the game, we knew it was important to send a message to the rest of our competitors, and I felt like we did that. We keep taking steps in the right direction.”
His comments, as reported across Arsenal-focused outlets, reflect a maturing squad mentality under Arteta.
Why Is Sunday’s Manchester United Clash Pivotal?
Arsenal enter the Emirates showdown holding a seven-point Premier League advantage, making victory essential to maintain breathing space. Lewis-Skelly challenged the group explicitly:
“Every game now is huge, and we just want to get another win (on Sunday), send more messages to the rest of our competition, and that is what we’re trying to do, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
This intent signals no complacency despite European exertions.
The fixture’s weight amplifies with Arteta’s selection headache. Jesus’ brace has reignited his claim, pressuring regular starter Gyokeres, who responded emphatically from the bench. As per the story’s core details, Arteta must weigh form, fitness, and rotation for this “pivotal” test. United, trailing in the table, represent a stern challenge, yet Arsenal’s momentum from San Siro tilts the narrative.
What Selection Dilemma Faces Mikel Arteta?
Mikel Arteta confronts a welcome conundrum upfront. Gabriel Jesus, sidelined for 11 months with a knee injury, dazzled with his double in Italy – his first start in Europe since December 2024. This resurgence directly challenges Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta’s go-to number nine, who entered as substitute to score the decider, his second in three matches.
The Swedish forward’s impact off the bench underscores Arsenal’s luxury of riches. Jesus’ fine performance “put the pressure on” Gyokeres, forcing Arteta to ponder starters for United. Squad depth, as Lewis-Skelly affirmed, proves a key asset: players rotate seamlessly without discord. Arteta’s choices will shape not just Sunday but the title charge.
How Has Gabriel Jesus Responded to His Long Injury Layoff?
Gabriel Jesus silenced critics with a player-of-the-match display at San Siro. Returning from an 11-month knee nightmare, the Brazilian netted twice in his competition bow since December 2024. His goals propelled Arsenal to a statement win, proving readiness for Arteta’s high-octane system.
Jesus’ clinical finishing and work rate echoed his peak form, complicating Arteta’s plans positively. Paired with Gyokeres’ cameo strike, it highlighted relentless competition. No direct quotes from Jesus appear in sourced coverage, but his actions spoke volumes, boosting Arsenal’s “frightening” arsenal.
What Does Viktor Gyokeres Bring to Arsenal’s Attack?
Viktor Gyokeres emerged as super-sub, landing his second goal in three games against Inter. The Sweden international’s timely intervention crowned a professional night. Despite Jesus starting, Gyokeres’ bench impact reaffirmed his credentials as Arteta’s primary striker.
His finishing prowess adds steel to Arsenal’s blunt force. With Jesus pressing, Gyokeres must elevate, yet the duo’s synergy – evident in the 3-1 rout – fortifies the frontline. Lewis-Skelly’s “depth” praise encapsulates this dynamic perfectly.
Why Is Arsenal Top of Their Champions League Group?
Arsenal stand alone with seven Champions League wins from seven, primed to top the group stage. The Inter scalp at San Siro cements this streak, a testament to Arteta’s European mastery. No peer matches this imperious run, underlining title credentials.
Lewis-Skelly linked it to intent:
“Before the game, we knew it was important to send a message to the rest of our competitors.”
The result propelled them forward, blending flair and grit.
What Message Did Arsenal Send to Premier League Rivals?
Lewis-Skelly framed the Inter win as a “massive (statement)” to competitors. He reiterated: “We keep taking steps in the right direction.” Extending to Sunday, he vowed:
“Send more messages to the rest of our competition.”
With a seven-point cushion, Arsenal dictate terms. The San Siro show of depth and resolve warns Manchester City, Liverpool, and others. Arteta’s men embody relentlessness.
How Does This Boost Arsenal’s Title Hopes?
The victory injects momentum into a congested schedule. Unbeaten in Europe, seven clear domestically, Arsenal exude aura. Lewis-Skelly’s rallying cry – another win, another message – captures the psyche.
Arteta’s dilemma reflects strength: Jesus versus Gyokeres symbolises overflowing talent. North London buzzes with optimism as Emirates awaits United.
