Arsenal star shows true colours as surprise Liverpool decision made during guard of honour

Arsenal players formed a guard of honour for Liverpool on Sunday but Myles Lewis-Skelly chose not to applaud (Image: PA)

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly seemingly chose not to applaud in the guard of honour for Liverpool's Premier League title celebration at Anfield on Sunday . While the gesture is a tradition rather than an obligation, it's unusual for players not to partake after a team secures the league crown.

The Gunners , sitting second in the table, respectfully performed the ritual ahead of their match against the Reds. However, young Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, appeared less enthusiastic, opting out of clapping as the Liverpool squad took to the field.

The incident caps off a tough week for Mikel Arteta 's side, who were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain , ensuring another trophyless season.

Arteta, in his pre-match press conference, conceded that Arsenal have regressed in their Premier League campaign compared to more competitive seasons in the past. "In the Premier League we've gone a step backwards," he admitted.

"With the points that we have created it is clear that we have not done as good as last season, and that's obvious. But with the amount of points that we have generated in the last few seasons, we could have won two Premier League titles. So you know how close we are. We are providing the numbers that win you titles."

Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his assertion that Arsenal were the top performers in this season's Champions League campaign. "One hundred per cent," he said. "I'm watching it back, I'm watching all the statistics.

"And when you look at the important stats that normally give you the best platform to win football matches, it is crystal clear who was better. But it is not about the winning probability, or what you've managed, it is actually about making it happen and making it count."