Lewis-Skelly opens up on ‘tough’ Arsenal season after midfield breakthrough

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Myles Lewis-Skelly has opened up about his challenging Arsenal campaign, describing how he overcame a frustrating period to establish himself as a key midfield player during the Gunners’ title push.

The 19-year-old has made just his third Premier League start of the season in Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham, but his recent performances suggest a dramatic turnaround in fortunes.

From frustration to breakthrough

After breaking through last season with 15 Premier League starts and memorable moments including his first Arsenal goal against Manchester City, Lewis-Skelly found opportunities limited this campaign. His place in the England squad was also lost as minutes dried up.

“It was tough for me initially,” Lewis-Skelly admitted. “But I pride myself on having mental strength. Sport is not one pathway because there are ups and downs. It’s how you bounce back from that, how you are in those moments when you face adversity. That is what defines you.”

The teenager revealed he deliberately avoided social media noise during his difficult period, focusing instead on staying prepared for his opportunity.

Arteta’s ‘gut feeling’ decision pays off

Everything changed when Mikel Arteta made what he called a “gut feeling” decision to start Lewis-Skelly in midfield against Fulham – his first start in that position at senior level despite playing there in the academy.

His driving performance in the 3-0 victory rekindled his Arsenal career, with Arteta keeping faith for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid and the vital West Ham clash.

“It feels so natural for me to be there [in midfield],” Lewis-Skelly explained. “The boss told me: ‘You are going to play midfield, so go for it.’ That is what I did. I had to be bold and play with courage because that is what this league demands.”

The academy graduate has now climbed above Martin Zubimendi in Arsenal’s midfield pecking order, though he faces competition from captain Martin Odegaard, who made a significant impact as a substitute against West Ham.

Title focus amid uncertainty

Lewis-Skelly’s future had been questioned during his difficult spell, with speculation about potential exits. However, the teenager is solely focused on Arsenal’s remaining fixtures as they sit five points clear of Manchester City with two games to play.

“I am focused on the games we have got coming up,” he said. “And bringing this club back to glory.”

Arsenal face Burnley at home before traveling to Crystal Palace, while City have a game in hand with fixtures against Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa remaining.