What happened: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly praised Myles Lewis-Skelly, saying the young defender "fully deserves this" after working through difficult moments. Arteta admitted he had been tough on the player but said Lewis-Skelly stayed humble and focused, and was ready to help in a different position when called upon.

Why it matters: The endorsement matters because Lewis-Skelly has become a recurring talking point around Arsenal's squad development, with Arteta's trust in academy products central to the club's identity. Public backing from the manager typically signals continued minutes and a defined tactical role in the run-in.

What to watch: Watch Arsenal's next matchday lineup to see whether Lewis-Skelly retains the alternate role Arteta referenced. Further comments in the post-match presser may clarify the long-term positional plan.