Myles Lewis Skelly has started Arsenal’s last two matches as Mikel Arteta reintroduces the Arsenal academy graduate during the closing stage of the season. He has impressed in recent appearances against Fulham and Atletico Madrid, which has led to expectations that he could be used more regularly before the campaign concludes.
Despite this, fans have questioned why he was out of the team for such a long period earlier in the season. Arsenal view him as a talented player, although he currently sits behind Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order for the left back position. He has also shown versatility by performing well in midfield in his last two outings.
Arteta explains selection decision
Mikel Arteta has now addressed the situation, explaining that Lewis Skelly’s development has been managed carefully. He emphasised that both the player and coaching staff needed time to fully understand expectations at senior level.
As reported by The Mirror, Arteta said:
“I think it’s been a process of, probably understanding him better, him understanding as well the standards that are required when you play or don’t play that much at this level, to understand the reasons why you play or don’t play as well, and then he’s been exceptional.”
The comments highlight the gradual integration process at Arsenal, with Arteta suggesting that improvement in understanding and consistency has been key to Lewis Skelly’s recent involvement in the squad.
Role moving forward in Arsenal squad
It remains to be seen whether he will feature in the remaining fixtures of the season, but his recent performances have strengthened his case for further minutes. Arsenal are expected to continue managing his development carefully as they balance immediate results with long-term progression.
With competition for places in the defensive areas increasing, Lewis Skelly’s adaptability in both defence and midfield could prove important as Arsenal look to finish the campaign strongly.
His continued involvement will depend on fitness and tactical requirements, but the coaching staff are likely to remain patient with his progression as they assess the best way to integrate him into the team consistently.
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It wasn’t just waiting for MLS development, it was Arteta’s obsession with starting Zubimendi every single game. He’s trying to justify himself. Well, it’s ok now, better late than never.
He’s saying better now than before. Who’s right? Who knows?
Well, Arteta has the privilege to watch him train and to test him. I believe Arteta is able to consider if a player is capable of dealing with a position or not. We are judging based on our biased opinions and believe we know the truth, but we don’t. They were patient with Saliba as well. Now he’s one of the best CB’s in the world, and he’s consistent in his performances.
With all due respect, Arteta is very erratic! What is wrong with that left back you’re playing him? Anytime you see Lewis-Skelly on the left back and Martinelli on the wide positions, it’s certainly going to be a goal galore for Arsenal, all of a sudden Arteta stopped doing that!
5-1 spanking of Man City last season; 3 nil bashing of Real Madrid last season; 4 nil whitewashing of Atletico Madrid this season; 3-1 to both Bayern and Inter, to mentioned but few, all featured Lewis-Skelly at left back and Martinelli on the wide positions -( in the event of playing against Man City, it’s better a right footer starts from the right of attack).
Arteta suddenly dropped all these in preference for Hincapie who, when on the pitch we dont score on field goals, except penalties and set pieces. Man City that we scored 5 against during last season encounter have to beat us in two straight games, scoring four, while we managed to score one through there goalkeeper mistake; we also recently struggled against Atletico Madrid we initially hammered 4 nil with these two players.
If he doesn’t do the needful, PSG will beat us.
Which club do you coach?
You are raising very valid points.
Lewis is prone to overextend and loose the ball, he is not
a technical player, but him being gradually introduced in
midfield is genial and could prove to be important in the
run in..