Arsenal star produces near-perfect performance vs Port Vale, but Mikel Arteta’s mind is already made up

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One Arsenal player did all they could to impress Mikel Arteta in the Gunners’ Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

The League One side were not to be underestimated, as made clear by Arteta’s team sheet and Arsenal’s performance. 

Despite having Newcastle United coming up in the Premier League on Sunday, the Arsenal manager went close to full-force, with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze among the starters. 

One notable change was at the back, as for the first time this season, Myles Lewis-Skelly was handed a start. 

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Myles Lewis-Skelly was impressive against Port Vale

Despite everyone knowing how strong Lewis-Skelly is, the teen has found it difficult to get into the side, which is quite the contrast to last season.

Still only 18, it’s important to remember that patience is key, but against Port Vale, Arsenal fans saw just how good the versatile midfielder really is.

Starting and playing 90 minutes at left-back, Lewis-Skelly was near-perfect in everything he did on the pitch, as his match statistics portray.

The Arsenal academy graduate won 100% of his duels, completed all of his attempted dribbles and completed all but two passes. 

What was the most impressive thing, and what has become a trademark for Lewis-Skelly, is that Port Vale couldn’t stop fouling him.

Being a keen runner with the ball, the teen drew as many as four fouls in 90 minutes, more than any other player on the pitch.

It was a statement performance from the England international, who did all he could to impress Arteta, but even that might not have been enough.

Mikel Arteta’s mind is already made up ahead of Newcastle United

Before the game, Arteta revealed why Lewis-Skelly hasn’t played much this season so far.

The boss suggested that Riccardo Calafiori’s form is keeping the teen out of the team, saying that sometimes, “You can be at a really good level, but somebody can be at a different level.” 

Despite what Lewis-Skelly produced on the pitch against Port Vale, the real indicator of how many minutes he could get against Newcastle United happened on the bench.

Calafiori was one of only four unused substitutes, the others being fellow first-team starters David Raya, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Zuimendi.

It’s clear that the Italian is in line to start at St James’ Park, but Lewis-Skelly certainly gave Arteta some food for thought with his display on the night.