Myles Lewis-Skelly has made it clear that Arsenal’s journey to securing their first Premier League title since 2004 is far from over. The young midfielder emphasized the importance of staying focused as the club prepares for its final two league matches, which could determine the outcome of the season.
Arsenal’s recent victory against West Ham at the London Stadium was a pivotal moment in the title race. The match ended with a controversial 1-0 win for the Gunners, as a stoppage-time equaliser from the hosts was ruled out by VAR. This decision kept the title within reach, setting up an important home game against Burnley and a final-day trip to Crystal Palace.
Winning both games would not only help Arsenal stay ahead of Manchester City but also provide a strong foundation for their upcoming Champions League final against PSG on 30 May. The team is now in a crucial phase where every match matters, and the players are aware of the pressure they face.
Lewis-Skelly, who has recently regained his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI after a period on the fringes, shared his thoughts on the team’s mindset. He stressed the importance of humility and staying grounded, even as the dressing room buzzes with excitement.
“We have to stay humble,” he said. “The dressing room is just joy, excitement, fulfilment – everything you can describe. We are buzzing, but we know that the job is not done. We have got two more finals left now, and we have to take each game as it comes.”
He added, “As players, as a fan myself, it’s easy to think about what could be. But, it is important that we stay in the moment. We have to stay on it.”
The 19-year-old’s return to prominence has not been without challenges. After a successful campaign last season, Lewis-Skelly found himself on the periphery of the team, with Calafiori and Hincapie preferred at left-back. However, an opportunity in midfield during a recent match against Fulham led to a consistent run in the starting XI.
Reflecting on his time away from the team, Lewis-Skelly admitted, “It was tough initially. But, for me, I pride myself on having mental strength. Sport is not one pathway, because there are ups and downs. And it’s how you bounce back from that, and how you are in those moments when you face adversity. That is what defines you.”
He sought support from his inner circle, explaining, “I spoke with my family and friends. I just told them, ‘I don’t want to hear all the noise that is coming from social media. Let me stay in this moment, let me continue to face this adversity and let me come out the other side of it’.”
His resurgence came after a direct conversation with Arteta. “He told me, ‘You are going to play in midfield, so go for it’,” Lewis-Skelly recalled. “So, that is what I did. And I had to be bold and play with courage, because that is what this league demands.”
Despite signing a new contract that extends until 2030, Lewis-Skelly’s absence from the team had raised questions about his future and even suggestions of a summer sale. When asked about his commitment to Arsenal, the Hale End Academy graduate affirmed, “I am focused on the games that we have got coming up – and bringing this club back to glory.”
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