Lewis-Skelly delighted with his midfield impact | Interview | News

After playing a starring role in the heart of our midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly admitted he enjoyed his evening’s work during our 3-0 success against Fulham.

Mikel Arteta opted to make five changes for this game sandwiched between our Champions League semi-final fixtures, and brought Myles into his side but handed him a start in midfield for the first time in his Gunners first-team career.

But the 19-year-old shone in his new role, and was a constant menace in attack and defence for the visitors as he played the whole game and a massive part in helping secure the three points we craved to move six clear at the top of the Premier League.

When asked how he was feeling post-match, he said: “Honestly, I was buzzing. Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game and play it simple but also be effective, which was really good today.

“It’s hugely important for me to set that tone. When you’re in midfield, there’s a certain rally you have to attain, which is to set the tone, get the engine of the team going. I thought I did a good job of that today.

“It’s a credit to all our players because when we’re all on the same wavelength, we’re really feeling it, playing with synergy, playing with that energy together. I feel like we’re one.”

Despite impressing so much during his 90-minute stint in the middle of the park, Myles was keen to redistribute his praise to some worthy recipients.

The ‘49, 49, Lewis-Skelly’ chant boomed around Emirates Stadium during the second half as our supporters showed appreciation for the impact Myles was making against the Cottagers, while on the day that Per Mertesacker was presented with a silver cannon for his 15-year contribution to the club, it was fitting that one of his proteges starred in a Premier League fixture.

The support he received from the stands and from those who have helped him to where he is today is never lost on our Hale Ender, and he was keen to pay tribute to both.

On the crowd, Myles added: “These are my people, so I’m just so grateful to them. They’re our top player, they give us so much energy and we’re so grateful for them.

“I just want to say thanks to Per for everything he’s taught me. He’s been a real role model and the lessons that he’s instilled in me, I’m so grateful. I wish him all the best.”