Arsenal’s recent victory over Manchester City in a high-stakes encounter has sparked plenty of discussion, but one moment that caught the attention of fans and pundits alike was the passionate celebration of young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly. The teenager’s reaction to the win was filled with emotion, leading former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to share an intriguing theory involving Declan Rice and the mentality shift at Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects, was seen celebrating with uncontainable joy following the final whistle. His raw emotion was evident, and it painted a picture of how much this victory meant to the Arsenal squad. Carragher believes this moment is a reflection of a deeper transformation happening at the club—one led by the influence of Declan Rice.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United in a record-breaking transfer, has already established himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Beyond his performances on the pitch, his leadership qualities have been evident, with the midfielder quickly becoming a vocal presence in the dressing room. According to Carragher, Rice’s winning mentality is beginning to rub off on Arsenal’s younger players, and Lewis-Skelly’s reaction was a testament to that influence.
Carragher, speaking on a football analysis show, highlighted how Rice’s experience at West Ham, particularly in their European campaign, shaped his mindset. Having captained the Hammers to UEFA Conference League glory, Rice developed a deep understanding of what it takes to perform in high-pressure situations. His presence at Arsenal, alongside experienced winners like Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Jesus, has helped instill a similar mindset in the younger generation at the club.
The match against Manchester City was a crucial one, not just in terms of points but also in terms of confidence and belief. Arsenal had struggled against Pep Guardiola’s side in previous seasons, often falling short in critical moments. However, this time, they managed to secure a hard-fought victory, showing resilience and composure—two attributes Rice has brought to the team.
For Lewis-Skelly, a player still making his way into the senior setup, this kind of environment is invaluable. Training alongside players like Rice provides him with firsthand exposure to elite mentality and work ethic. Carragher suggested that Lewis-Skelly’s celebration was not just about the joy of beating City but about the realization that Arsenal are now genuine contenders and capable of competing with the very best.
Mikel Arteta has been building a squad with a mix of experienced stars and young prospects, ensuring that players like Lewis-Skelly learn from seasoned professionals. The manager has placed a strong emphasis on discipline, intensity, and a winning culture—qualities that Rice embodies perfectly. Carragher believes that Rice’s presence is accelerating the development of Arsenal’s young talents, making them more competitive at an early stage.
Declan Rice’s impact has been felt far beyond his own performances. His communication and leadership during matches have been noticeable, often seen directing teammates and demanding the best from those around him. Carragher compared Rice’s role at Arsenal to the influence of Virgil van Dijk when he arrived at Liverpool—instantly raising standards and making the entire team believe in their capabilities.
Another aspect Carragher pointed out was how Rice himself has evolved since moving to Arsenal. At West Ham, he was already a leader, but at Arsenal, he has taken it to another level, surrounded by world-class talents and competing for bigger prizes. His adaptation to a new system under Arteta has been seamless, and the fact that he is inspiring younger players like Lewis-Skelly speaks volumes about his leadership.
This moment also highlights the emotional investment Arsenal’s squad has in their ongoing project. Lewis-Skelly’s reaction was one of a player who understands the significance of such victories and sees himself as part of something bigger. It reflects the strong team spirit Arteta has cultivated, ensuring that every player, regardless of age or experience, feels involved in the club’s journey.
Arsenal’s title ambitions hinge on moments like this—key victories that build momentum and belief. If younger players like Lewis-Skelly can adopt the same elite mentality as Rice, Arsenal’s long-term future looks even brighter. Carragher emphasized that having players who set the tone, like Rice, is crucial for sustained success.
Manchester City has long been the benchmark in the Premier League, but Arsenal’s performance in this game suggested that they are no longer intimidated by Guardiola’s side. Rice’s presence in midfield provided the structure and security that allowed the team to play with confidence. This shift in mentality is exactly what Carragher believes Arsenal needed to truly challenge for titles.
Lewis-Skelly’s celebrations also symbolize the hunger within Arsenal’s squad. Young players coming through the ranks are no longer satisfied with just being part of the team—they want to win, they want to compete, and they want to make an impact. Rice’s influence is key in nurturing this mindset and ensuring that Arsenal continues to build a squad that is not just talented but mentally strong.
Carragher’s analysis sheds light on how one player can have a ripple effect throughout a squad. While Rice’s performances have been outstanding, his leadership and ability to inspire those around him might be even more valuable. Arsenal fans will hope that this mentality continues to spread as they push for silverware this season.
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on how their younger players continue to develop under the guidance of experienced leaders like Rice. If Lewis-Skelly’s reaction is anything to go by, the future is looking very bright for Arsenal, with a new generation of players ready to embrace the winning mentality that Rice has brought to the club.
