Mikel Arteta openly questioned his own judgment regarding Myles Lewis-Skelly, admitting he may have underestimated the young Arsenal talent. The revelation came after a dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham, a win that significantly bolstered the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge.
Arteta made sweeping changes to his lineup ahead of a crucial Champions League tie, and the most notable decision was handing Lewis-Skelly his first start in central midfield. The move proved inspired, with the 19-year-old delivering a performance that caught the manager’s eye.
Lewis-Skelly burst onto the scene last season as an unexpected solution at left-back, even earning recognition with the England national team. This season, however, has been a different story, with limited opportunities due to competition for the role.
The consistent form of Martin Zubimendi had previously made Arteta hesitant to give Lewis-Skelly a sustained run in his preferred midfield position. But Saturday’s gamble paid off handsomely, prompting a candid reflection from the Arsenal manager.
“I’ve been tough on him,” Arteta confessed, acknowledging his previous reluctance. “He had a spectacular season last year, and he stayed very humble and focused when things became difficult. I knew he was ready, and he showed it today with an incredible performance.”
Arteta went further, suggesting he may have delayed the inevitable. “Probably I don’t have a clue and maybe I should have done it earlier,” he admitted, questioning whether he’d misjudged the timing of Lewis-Skelly’s opportunity.
The decision to play Lewis-Skelly carried significant risk, according to Arteta. He knew a poor performance could cost the team dearly, especially given the player’s lack of recent experience in the midfield role.
“It was a big risk because if he hadn’t played so well, we would have lost the game,” Arteta explained. “But I had a feeling it was the right game for him, and he stepped up magnificently.”
Lewis-Skelly himself expressed his delight at being given a chance to shine. He spoke of the trust placed in him by the manager and his teammates, and his desire to dictate the tempo from midfield.
“Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game,” Lewis-Skelly said. “It’s hugely important to set that tone, get the engine of the team going, and I thought I did a good job of that today.”
Despite recent reports linking him with a potential summer move to Manchester United, Lewis-Skelly’s performance suggested a player fully committed to Arsenal. He radiated a sense of belonging and purpose within the team.
The victory over Fulham, fueled by a standout performance from the young midfielder, sent a clear message to title rivals Manchester City. Arsenal are not only contenders, but a team brimming with emerging talent and tactical flexibility.
