Declan Rice has revealed that Mikel Arteta has been tough on Myles Lewis-Skelly behind the scenes, but the youngster has responded brilliantly. The Arsenal midfielder praised his teammate after Lewis-Skelly delivered an impressive performance in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Arteta's bold selection pays off
Arteta made a daring decision by starting Lewis-Skelly in midfield ahead of Martin Zubimendi. The move proved inspired as the 19-year-old played a key role in Arsenal's 1-0 victory, which secured their place in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years. Bukayo Saka's goal was enough to overcome the Spanish side.
Lewis-Skelly had struggled for game time this season, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie offering strong competition at left-back. After a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, he found himself on the bench regularly. He started just three Premier League games this season, lost his England place, and was even linked with a move away.
However, a switch to midfield in recent matches has revitalised his season. After impressing in a 3-0 win over Fulham, Arteta trusted him against Atletico, and the youngster repaid that faith with a composed display alongside Rice.
Rice's praise for Lewis-Skelly
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Rice said: 'We have always known what Myles can do. I remember last year when he played so many games. Last year when he stepped up at Real Madrid away at the Bernabeu at 18, I thought: Wow, what a player.'
'The manager has been tough on him behind the scenes. He has kept his head down and worked so hard. He is in early, hits the gym, and works hard. To be thrown in at the deep end and perform how he did is no surprise to me.'
Defensive solidity key
Arsenal managed just two shots on target in the entire match, with Saka scoring the rebound after Leandro Trossard's effort was saved by Jan Oblak. But their remarkable defensive record, conceding only six goals in 14 Champions League games this season, proved decisive. They will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in Budapest on May 30.
Rice added: 'Where this club has come from over the last few years, things that hurt you as a player. The manager has taken full control. We have kept building and pushing each other.'
'This competition and the Premier League, we have gone full throttle. We have found ourselves in a good position with less than a month to go. Sunday now is a massive one.'
Double ambitions
Arsenal travel to West Ham on Sunday, aiming to extend their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. City dropped points in a 3-3 draw with Everton, leaving the Gunners in a strong position to secure a historic double.
