When Mikel Arteta unveiled his team sheet against Fulham on Sunday, eyebrows were raised. Four changes from the midweek Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid included one bold experiment: Myles Lewis-Skelly, a teenager known for his versatility, was handed his first senior start in midfield. It was a decision that could have backfired. Instead, it transformed Arsenal’s season.

Arteta’s bold midfield experiment against Fulham paid off spectacularly, with Myles Lewis-Skelly shining in his first senior start in midfield as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win. The victory restored belief in Arteta’s tactical acumen and strengthened Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League title race, though Manchester City’s games in hand keep the contest alive.

The Gunners struck three times, with Gyökeres netting twice in the 9th and stoppage time of the first half, while Saka added a brilliant finish in the 40th minute.

A Tactical Masterstroke

Arteta deployed a diamond-shaped midfield, with Declan Rice and Lewis-Skelly forming a double pivot and Eberechi Eze operating as the attacking fulcrum. The absence of Martín Zubimendi, a regular in Arsenal’s midfield, was barely noticed as the new trio controlled the tempo and dismantled Fulham with ruthless efficiency.

On Lewis-Skelly playing in midfield and why it’s taken so long to play him there, Arteta said, “Because probably I don’t have a clue and maybe I should have done it earlier, I don’t know. But I have to do things when I believe that the player is ready, the team is ready and the opponent is the right one to play with him in that position. We’ve done it today, it’s the first time. It was a big risk because I knew what was going to happen, if he wasn’t this great, we would have lost the game. How do you play a kid at this age, in this scenario, in a position that he hasn’t played all season? I knew that but I had the feeling that it was the right game for him.”

Lewis-Skelly’s Coming of Age

The 19-year-old had already impressed as a left-back last season, even shining against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. But Sunday was different. This was his audition as a midfielder, and he passed with distinction.

• Passing accuracy: 97%
• Possession won: 6
• Duels won: 7
• Fouls won: 4

He initiated Arsenal’s opener, threading a pass to Bukayo Saka, who left his marker trailing before setting up Viktor Gyökeres for a simple finish. Throughout the game, Lewis-Skelly’s positioning, composure, and energy belied his age. Wright, along with other analysts, like Paul Merson highlighted Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performance as a key factor in Arsenal’s dominant display. Wright indicated that Lewis-Skelly was a prime example of the intensity and control Arsenal needed in the middle of the pitch to secure the win, noting how he operated effectively when the game got tight.

Paul Merson on Lewis-Skelly now challenging Zubimendi,

“I’m so pleased for him. He got an opportunity and sometimes it’s so difficult to come in when you haven’t played a lot of football, especially in the Premier League, and to perform like he did. He kept it simple, he didn’t complicate anything, he played himself in the game – he did everything you want a young lad to do. He’s given Mikel a major headache because he gave you that energy, he lifted everybody, he played on the front foot, he got close to people. I’m a big fan of Zubimendi’s, but he’s been chasing the games recently. He nearly gets there – this lad was tight. Those simple passes give your top players that make everything tick together. I don’t think Zubimendi’s being doing that recently.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly on his performance in the Arsenal win over Fulham on Saturday,  “I only knew I was playing in midfield in the changing room before and when I saw the team sheet I had to scratch my eyes a little! But I have to thank the manager for that. But it felt so natural and it was really special for me today.

“For me coming in to the game I had to make sure I took the energy from the crowd, go in to the first duel and be positive because when you play with confidence it really helps.

“It was just coming in and making sure I was the best version of myself. I don’t take that lightly and I make sure I recover well, eat well and I don’t take that lightly. So really pleased with today and we go again on Tuesday!”

Restoring Faith in Arteta

The victory was more than three points. It was a statement. After a string of inconsistent performances that had fans questioning Arteta’s methods, this tactical masterclass reignited belief. Arsenal now sit six points clear at the top, though Manchester City’s two games in hand keep the race finely balanced.

For supporters, the sight of Arsenal dictating play with authority was a reminder of the team’s potential. “We’ve waited 20 years for this,” one fan said. “If Arteta keeps trusting players like Skelly, the title is ours.”

The Road Ahead

Arsenal’s season is far from over. The Gunners now turn their attention to the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on May 5, 2026, before resuming their Premier League run-in with three decisive fixtures: away to West Ham on May 10, at home to Burnley on May 18, and a final-day trip to Crystal Palace on May 24.

And Arteta faces another dilemma: does he stick with Lewis-Skelly in midfield or restore Zubimendi? With the Premier League and Europe both within reach, every decision carries weight.

Yet Sunday’s performance may have given Arteta his answer. In Lewis-Skelly, he may have found the missing piece of a midfield puzzle that has too often faltered under pressure. The risk paid off once. Arsenal fans will hope it pays off again, this time on the grandest stage.