Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that his limited use of Myles Lewis-Skelly during the 2025/26 campaign was likely a mistake after the 19-year-old delivered a commanding performance in a 3-0 victory over Fulham. The versatile English midfielder, who committed his future to the Emirates with a five-year contract in June 2025, made a rare start in the defensive pivot to help Arsenal maintain their push for the Premier League title. Arteta described the performance as a "masterclass" and conceded he may have undervalued the teenager's readiness during a season where Lewis-Skelly had previously managed only three starts.
Arteta on the shift in Lewis-Skelly's approach
The England international's return to the fold comes after a period of relative isolation following a blockbuster 2024/25 breakthrough. Speaking after the Fulham match, Arteta suggested that a shift in the player's mentality was the catalyst for his reintegration. "Not the first one, after three or four times, I think he realised, OK, I think if it's not this way, I don't think it's going to happen," Arteta said. The manager also took a self-deprecating tone regarding the player’s lack of minutes, jokingly telling reporters, "Because probably I don’t have a clue." This tactical pivots follows a successful stint as an inverted left-back last season, though Lewis-Skelly has now returned to his natural midfield role to provide cover for a fatigued Martin Zubimendi.
Establishing a long-term role at the Emirates
Lewis-Skelly’s contractual security, with a deal running until 2030, reflects his standing as one of the club's most valuable assets despite current squad depth challenges. Competition for places intensified last summer with the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié, which restricted the academy graduate's pathway into the first team. However, his pedigree remains undisputed; he became England’s youngest-ever debut goalscorer at 18 years and 176 days against Albania in March 2025. Midfield partner Declan Rice previously lauded the teenager's physical profile, stating that "it was like he was built in a lab." Having already proven his worth in high-stakes fixtures—highlighted by a maiden senior goal against Manchester City in February 2025—Lewis-Skelly appears set for a sustained run in the XI as Arsenal chase a domestic and European double.
Arsenal now face a decisive run of fixtures where Lewis-Skelly’s ability to anchor the midfield will be tested against elite opposition.