Arsenal will learn from Lewis-Skelly's Haaland taunt: Arteta

Mikel Arteta anticipates Arsenal drawing valuable lessons from Myles Lewis-Skelly's taunting gesture directed at Manchester City during the prior campaign, ahead of the fierce title contenders' encounter at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.

The Arsenal backline player Lewis-Skelly replicated Manchester City forward Erling Haaland's zen scoring ritual after finding the net in his side's 5-1 thrashing of Pep Guardiola's outfit back in February.

Having come agonisingly close to claiming the championship against City in 2023 and 2024, tensions between the two outfits have intensified markedly.

Erling Haaland previously goaded Arsenal head coach Arteta by advising him to keep grounded after a contentious 2-2 stalemate at the Etihad Stadium earlier that term.

The youthful Lewis-Skelly, yet to feature from the outset for Arsenal this campaign, drew sharp rebuke for his provocative display.

When quizzed on discussing goal festivities with his squad prior to Sunday's clash, Arteta remarked to the press: Well that was done, and that's part of it.

There have been a lot of celebrations or non-celebrations in the past from a lot of teams. The experience is to learn and grow as well and we certainly learnt from that.

Arsenal lacked Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White during their recent Champions League success over Athletic Bilbao in Spain midweek.

Arteta suggested the team might confront City devoid of that trio, disclosing they have yet to partake in training sessions this week.

If there is a chance it will be after tomorrow's session because they haven't done anything yet. We will have more information tomorrow, he stated.

Everything has been modified so far for them. There are still a few things to clear and we'll have more information on whether they are part of the squad or if they have a chance to be part of the squad.

Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres is anticipated to return after getting stitches for a cranial knock incurred in a head collision with colleague Gabriel Magalhaes.

On another note, Arteta affirmed that the unexpected exit of a vital supporter amid executive changes would not impinge on his bond with the organisation.

Arsenal disclosed on Friday the resignation of deputy chair Tim Lewis, who counselled proprietors Kroenke Sports from 2007 onwards.

Lewis, aged 62, contributed significantly with Arteta and technical chief Andrea Berta to Arsenal's £250 million ($337 million) summer acquisition drive.

Nevertheless, sources claim co-chair Josh Kroenke will exert increased control over club operations.

I have incredible gratitude towards Tim and what he has done for the football club, what he has done for the team, and for me personally, Arteta expressed.

The club has a wonderful future. I am so positive about it and every time I speak to Stan and Josh and how willing they are, the projection that they have, the vision they have for the football club, there's no question that there are big things ahead.