The Premier League’s simmering rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal has recently intensified, not just on the pitch but off it, between two of their brightest young stars: Erling Haaland and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old Arsenal academy graduate, delivered a defining moment during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Man City in February 2025 by scoring his first senior goal and celebrating by mimicking Haaland's signature "zen" meditation pose—a celebration Haaland popularized since his Borussia Dortmund days and continued at City.

The celebration was widely seen as a cheeky response to the long-running tension between the two players dating back to a heated clash in September 2024—a 2-2 draw marked by Haaland’s “stay humble” message directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Later in the same match, a post-match altercation erupted where Haaland confronted the young Lewis-Skelly, asking bluntly, “Who the f*** are you?” The new Arsenal star’s celebration seemed to signal that he won’t be intimidated and is ready to stake his claim in this fierce rivalry.

Haaland Addresses the “Stay Humble” Message

Following the viral celebration and the mounting media attention, Erling Haaland has finally responded to Lewis-Skelly’s imitation. Speaking candidly, Haaland clarified that his “stay humble” comment was not meant as a personal slight but rather as a message broadly aimed at maintaining focus amid success.

“I never meant it as disrespect towards any player,” Haaland explained. “Football is full of emotions and big moments, but the message behind ‘stay humble’ is to keep grounded no matter how well you play or how things are going.”

The Young Arsenal Talent Earning Respect

Despite the on-field jabs, Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli has defended Lewis-Skelly’s celebration, stating the youngster holds deep respect for Haaland. Martinelli noted that the celebration was playful and competitive rather than disrespectful, reflecting the intense but respectful rivalry that pushes both teams to excel.

Lewis-Skelly’s maturation into a regular first-team player and his new long-term contract with Arsenal through 2030 underscore his rising profile. His ability to handle the spotlight, respond confidently to one of the Premier League’s most prolific scorers, and perform on big stages is earning admiration from pundits and fans alike.

As this storyline continues to develop, the Haaland-Lewis-Skelly dynamic symbolizes the broader clash of established greatness and emerging talent, fueling what promises to be a captivating contest for Premier League supremacy in the seasons ahead.