Myles Lewis-Skelly is yet to start a game for Arsenal in the 2025/26 season.
The teenager had his breakthrough campaign last term and was one of the Gunners’ best players. He made the left-back position his own and produced a number of exceptional performances.
Almost every Arsenal fan expected Lewis-Skelly to start this season as the club’s first-choice left-back. He definitely deserved to keep his place in the side.
However, Riccardo Calafiori has got the nod in every single game so far this season, and that has limited Lewis-Skelly to just 66 minutes of football in all competitions.
Mikel Arteta explains why Myles Lewis-Skelly isn’t playing enough games
Arsenal fans absolutely love Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The teenager has been a Gooner since he was a kid and came through the ranks at the academy. He is living the dream and plays every game like a fan.
Lewis-Skelly won everyone over last season, which is why it is such a shame that he hasn’t been getting many minutes this term.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Port Vale, Mikel Arteta was asked why the youngster has spent more time on the bench than not this season.
The Arsenal boss made it clear that Lewis-Skelly has done nothing wrong, but he just prefers Calafiori at this moment in time.
He said, as per Arsenal’s official website: “Sometimes performances of other players as well. You can be at a really good level, but somebody can be at a different level, or it’s just that I have the perception at the moment that it’s better to play or start somebody else in the team.
“It doesn’t mean Myles has done something wrong at all, completely the opposite.
“So when he has the chance, he has to try to show the level that he’s at, elevate it, and make the decision even harder.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly could start for Arsenal vs Port Vale
Arsenal begin their Carabao Cup campaign against Port Vale on Wednesday night.
The Gunners will go into the game as the absolute favourites, and Arteta is expected to make plenty of changes to his side.
Lewis-Skelly, who is still awaiting his first start of the season, is expected to get the nod at left-back in place of Calafiori.
The Italian needs a break after playing all the games, and Lewis-Skelly will get the chance to remind his manager that he is still good enough to start.
It will be interesting to see how he will fare at Vale Park.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
