Myles Lewis-Skelly has issued a stark reminder that Arsenal’s "job is not done" as the club intensifies its pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004. The young midfielder’s comments underscore the high stakes as the Gunners approach their final two league fixtures.
Arsenal took a significant step in the title race with a controversial 1-0 victory against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, a match where the hosts had a stoppage-time equaliser disallowed by VAR. This contentious decision keeps the league crown within Arsenal’s grasp, ahead of next Monday’s home fixture against already-relegated Burnley, followed by a final-day trip to Conference League finalists Crystal Palace. Securing wins in both matches would allow Arsenal to fend off Manchester City’s challenge and provide an ideal platform for their Champions League final against PSG on 30 May.
Lewis-Skelly, who has fought his way back into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI after spending much of the season on the fringes, reflected on the team’s current mindset. "We have to stay humble," he stated. "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. The next one is Burnley – and then we go on from there." 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 follows a challenging period. After a breakthrough campaign last season, Lewis-Skelly was largely deemed surplus to requirements at left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and loan signing Piero Hincapie preferred. However, an opportunity arose in midfield for Arsenal’s league game against Fulham earlier this month, and the Englishman has started every match since.
Reflecting on his time out of 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 agreeing a new contract last year that extends until 2030, Lewis-Skelly’s absence from the team had sparked questions about his long-term 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."
