Paul Merson watched on as Arsenal hammered Fulham today and he’s claimed the Gunners’ start to the game was what got them the win.
Arsenal came out firing out of the blocks and led by three at the break through a Bukayo Saka goal and two from Viktor Gyokeres.
The duo led Fulham’s defence on a merry dance but according to Merson, it was midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly who set the tone for the win.
You’re Mikel Arteta: How do you use Myles Lewis-Skelly going forwards?
Incredible in the midfield against Fulham
Paul Merson praises Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal beat Fulham
It was a surprise to see Lewis-Skelly in the starting XI and somewhat even more of a surprise to see him in the middle of the park.
Nevertheless, he was brilliant alongside Declan Rice and Merson believes it was Lewis-Skelly who got Arsenal going.
“The most impressive thing about Arsenal today was the way they started. When it gets to this stage of the season you have to start well, have shots, suffocate the other team and get the fans up,” Merson said on BBC Sport.
“Myles Lewis-Skelly was the prime example of that today. He got tight, went for a couple of balls and Fulham couldn’t get out of their half.
“They have got to start every game like that from now on.”
Lewis-Skelly feels like a brand new signing
There are certain points in a season which can be defining and the emergence of Lewis-Skelly back into the team might just be one of those for Arsenal.
With Martin Zubimendi struggling in recent weeks and Martin Odegaard out again, there has been a spot open up and Lewis-Skelly is doing his best to take it.
At one point this season it looked like he’d be on his way out this summer.
Now, though, it feels like Arsenal have almost dropped on a new signing in the final weeks of the season.
It’s a huge bonus for Arteta, not to mention the fact he is fresh from having hardly played. Lewis-Skelly’s emergence could genuinely help Arsenal land a trophy.
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