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Roy Keane believed Myles Lewis-Skelly earned the free kick that resulted in England’s opening goal against Latvia, a tactic he most likely learned at Arsenal.
Roy Keane, who is known for his candid commentary, couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Arsenal during England’s recent 3-0 victory over Latvia. The incident in question involved Arsenal’s young talent, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who played a pivotal role in winning a free-kick that led to England’s opening goal.
The incident occurred when Lewis-Skelly positioned himself strategically between the ball and Latvian forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis, drawing contact and winning the free-kick. Reece James capitalized on the opportunity with a stunning curl into the net, putting England ahead in the first half. While the free-kick decision was debated, Keane acknowledged the ingenuity behind Lewis-Skelly’s actions, attributing his tactical awareness to his training at Arsenal.
Keane remarked, “He’s obviously learned that well at Arsenal over the years. It was smart, it was clever.” The Irishman highlighted the importance of such “dark arts” in football, emphasizing how players can use their intelligence to gain an advantage on the field.
The free-kick, expertly converted by Reece James, set the tone for England’s dominant performance. Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze added to the scoreline, securing a comfortable win for the Three Lions. Despite the light-hearted nature of Keane’s comment, it highlighted the tactical acumen and adaptability of young players like Lewis-Skelly, who continue to make their mark on the international stage.

This moment serves as a reminder of modern football’s intricate strategies, in which players’ creativity and intelligence can make all the difference. Lewis-Skelly’s clever play is a testament to his growth as a player and the impact of his club’s mentorship on his development.
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