Lewis-Skelly Impresses in Arsenal 3-0 Fulham Win

Arsenal's 19-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly starred in a first start in his preferred central role during the team's 3-0 Premier League victory over Fulham on Saturday, earning high praise from manager Mikel Arteta and fueling speculation over his place in the lineup for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

Lewis-Skelly replaced Martin Zubimendi in midfield alongside Declan Rice, breaking up play effectively and driving forward passes that helped Arsenal maintain control. The win extended Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points ahead of Manchester City, with a superior goal difference, despite City holding two games in hand.

Arteta, who rested several players amid a demanding schedule, described the decision to start the Hale End academy product as a significant risk. "He fully deserves it," Arteta said. "I've been tough on him. He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team. He had some difficult moments after that, but he stayed very humble, very focused... Today he really stepped up and I thought he had an incredible performance."