Photo via @FabrizioRomano on X

What happened: Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly addressed his on-pitch embrace with manager Mikel Arteta, telling reporters "you can see our connection is strong." The exchange followed Lewis-Skelly's recent performance against Fulham, where Arteta publicly praised the youngster. Arteta has also acknowledged he could have started Lewis-Skelly in midfield earlier in the campaign.

Why it matters: The quote underscores the trust Arteta has built with academy graduates during Arsenal's title push. Lewis-Skelly's emergence in midfield gives Arteta another homegrown option as the Gunners juggle injuries and squad rotation in the closing weeks. Visible manager-player chemistry has been a recurring theme in Arsenal's run-in.

What to watch: Watch whether Arteta continues to deploy Lewis-Skelly in midfield in Arsenal's remaining Matchweek 35+ fixtures. Further public backing from the manager would reinforce his rising role in the squad.

Sources