Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in Dublin won’t keep anyone awake at night. Pre-season results rarely do. But what caught the eye wasn’t the scoreline — it was the attitude of the academy kids who stepped onto the Aviva Stadium pitch alongside the seniors.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, now a 75-cap veteran at just 19 years old, had a front-row seat. And he liked what he saw.
What Happened Against Real Betis?
It wasn’t Arsenal’s finest evening. Missing Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Odegaard — all still recovering from the World Cup — the champions looked undercooked.
Rodrigo Riquelme pounced after a Kepa Arrizabalaga error from a corner in the ninth minute. Nelson Deossa then hammered in a stunner from 30 yards. Two-nil down inside half an hour.
Piero Hincapie pulled one back with a header from a Christos Tzolis corner. But a misplaced Kai Havertz pass in his own half gifted Pablo Fornals the chance to restore Betis’ two-goal cushion before the break.
The second half was largely about rotation and giving minutes to younger legs. And that’s where the silver lining appeared.
Lewis-Skelly’s Message to the Next Generation
It wasn’t long ago that Lewis-Skelly was the one trying to catch Mikel Arteta’s eye. He broke through in the 2024/25 season, made 39 appearances, and even scored in that famous 5-1 demolition of Manchester City.
Now he’s a senior England international with a long-term contract. He’s earned the right to mentor.
Speaking to Arsenal Media after the Betis defeat, Lewis-Skelly praised the academy players who featured across pre-season:
“They’re all so coachable, definitely. They’re all so willing to learn, willing to impose themselves on the game and credit to them for being able to step on this pitch with personality. That’s one thing I always tell them, be brave, be courageous and be yourself when you’re playing.”
Those aren’t hollow words. Several youngsters have stood out during this pre-season window.
Max Dowman, still only 15, scored in the 4-1 victory over Girona and has drawn comparisons to some of the best young talents in world football. Declan Rice has called him an “unreal talent.” Ethan Nwaneri featured prominently across both friendlies. And names like Ife Ibrahim, Demiane Agustien, and Josh Ogunnaike all got first-team experience for the first time.
Can any of them follow Lewis-Skelly’s path into regular first-team football? That’s the question Arteta will be weighing up over the coming weeks.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The Betis loss was the final away fixture of pre-season. Arsenal now return to the Emirates for home friendlies against Borussia Dortmund on August 9 and Como on August 12.
Then things get serious.
The Community Shield against Manchester City awaits in Cardiff on August 16. And the Premier League title defence kicks off against newly-promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21.
Arteta will have more senior players available by then. But this pre-season stretch has shown that Arsenal’s Hale End academy pipeline isn’t slowing down. Lewis-Skelly is living proof that talent, bravery, and the right attitude can earn you a spot in one of the best squads in Europe.
For the youngsters who shared that Dublin pitch with him, the message is clear. The door’s open. It’s up to them to walk through it.
