Arteta reveals the secret ingredient of Arsenal's latest succes: "That was the key"

Mikel Arteta says that understanding Myles Lewis-Skelly on a deeper level was the key reason behind finally trusting the teenager in midfield - a decision already beginning to transform Arsenal at a crucial stage of the season.

Lewis-Skelly, 19, who broke into the first team last year and earned his first England call-up, has featured regularly this season but rarely in his natural role. His recent start against Fulham marked not only his third Premier League start of the campaign but also his first senior appearance in midfield, having previously been used mainly at left-back.

Arteta admitted the process was never simply tactical, but also psychological.

"It's been about understanding him better," the Arsenal boss explained. "Understanding how he feels when he plays, when he doesn't play, and how he reacts to those moments."

The Spaniard praised the 19-year-old's attitude throughout a season in which opportunities have often been limited despite strong performances in training.

"He's been exceptional. The way he trains, the way he supports the team even when he's not playing... He gave us every reason to believe he'd respond when given the chance."

And he did respond.

Lewis-Skelly's energetic displays against Fulham and Atletico Madrid have injected fresh life into Arsenal's midfield, with the youngster bringing intensity, confidence, and balance during one of the defining stretches of the campaign.

Arteta acknowledged there was always risk involved in throwing such a young player into such important matches, especially after a season full of emotional ups and downs for the academy graduate.

"He came from the Under-18s and Under-21s, suddenly everyone is talking about him, he goes to the national team, and then maybe realises he's not going to start every week," Arteta said. "You have to help him navigate those emotions."

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The Arsenal manager also admitted "intuition" played a major role in the timing of the decision, much like some of his recent tactical tweaks elsewhere in the side.

Lewis-Skelly's breakthrough had initially come partly because of injuries at left-back, but Arsenal always viewed midfield as his long-term future. Injuries and tactical reshuffles delayed that transition, including an FA Cup tie earlier this year when he was set to start centrally before a late injury to Riccardo Calafiori forced him back into defence.

Now, though, the teenager looks increasingly comfortable alongside Declan Rice in the heart of midfield, while Calafiori's return has also helped Arsenal regain fluency on the left side.

A year older, but any wiser?

Arteta still faces selection decisions ahead of Sunday's vital EPL clash with West Ham United, particularly with Jurrien Timber ruled out due to a groin problem that has proven more serious than initially expected.

But Arsenal head into the final stretch of the season with renewed momentum, and with Lewis-Skelly suddenly looking like one of the most important pieces of Arteta's evolving puzzle.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 36

Saturday

14.30: (1.90) Liverpool (4.20) Chelsea (3.80)

17.00: (1.28) Brighton (5.90) Wolverhampton (9.50)

17.00: (2.75) Fulham (3.80) Bournemouth (2.50)

17.00: (3.85) Sunderland (3.90) Manchester United (1.87)

19.30: (1.37) Manchester City (5.10) Brentford (7.75)

Sunday

16.00: (5.80) Burnley (3.90) Aston Villa (1.60)

16.00: (2.70) Crystal Palace (3.40) Everton (2.65)

16.00: (2.60) Nottingham Forest (3.35) Newcastle (2.70)

18.30: (5.60) West Ham (4.10) Arsenal (1.65)

Monday

22.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.90) Leeds (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***