Bukayo Saka’s goal in the 9th minute sealed a 1-0 win over Brighton last night. Arsenal are now seven points clear at the Premier League top spot. But with core midfield stars showing signs of fatigue, Mikel Arteta faces a vital decision in midfield. A surprise change could be the key to keeping the Gunners’ title charge on track.
The Physical Toll on Premier League Stars Mikel Arteta Cannot Ignore
Arsenal are facing a hectic few weeks in all competitions. The club is also dealing with a major injury crisis that has left the squad thin. Key players such as Mikel Merino remain out for the season. Club captain Martin Odegaard is also facing fitness concerns. As a result, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have taken on a huge workload.
Reports say Zubimendi has run 311.1 km this season, more than any other player in the league. However, this intense workload has led to clear physical fatigue for the Spaniard. His form has dipped during 2026. In January, he made a costly mistake against Manchester United that allowed Mbuemo to score.
During the weekend’s London derby, he also played a loose back pass that forced goalkeeper David Raya to rush back and cover. He also looked ineffective during the match against Brighton last night. Late in the first half, Zubimendi needed long medical treatment after turning his ankle. He was able to continue, but the incident raised concerns.
Fans have noticed his defensive struggles, with some calling him a non-factor. His limited defensive impact and slower decisions show that Arsenal may need to rotate the squad. That fatigue could soon increase the risk of further mistakes or injuries.
🚨🔴 Liverpool legend Steve Nicol on Declan Rice looking fatigued and Martin Zubimendi having his worst game in an Arsenal shirt 😳:
"The midfield was poor. Declan Rice just ran out of steam.
It was probably Martin Zubimendi’s worst game in an Arsenal jersey." pic.twitter.com/aaMABsUpkl
— Goaldata – Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) March 2, 2026
Replacing Zubimendi with “The Future Captain”
During last night’s tight win at Brighton, Mikel Arteta made a late change. He swapped Zubimendi for Christian Norgaard in the 80th minute. By then, it was too late for Norgaard to leave his mark. He is a solid option to fill that role. But he is a player who has not seen enough action.
However, there is another young talent on the bench being passed over. Myles Lewis-Skelly remains a standout option who is due a chance in his natural midfield role. Club insiders have already tipped him as a future captain. They point to his maturity and his ability to lead. Right now, he faces a real blockage at left-back. The return of Riccardo Calafiori and the arrival of Piero Hincapie have blocked his path. Moving him into the engine room would solve two issues at once.
The youngster has been compared with Jack Wilshere. Both players share a refined left-footed style and an elite ability to carry the ball through pressure. Wilshere himself has spoken about the youngster with high praise. He said Lewis-Skelly does things on the pitch that coaches simply cannot teach.
I have a slight suspicion that Lewis-Skelly is going to have a strong push to the end of the season.
The Wigan game which he was meant to start in midfield gives me hope we’ll see him there again soon. LB is stiff competition but minutes will come up somewhere for him for #AFC. pic.twitter.com/7B1xzHXiyD
— HarveyDiamonds🏴💎 (@HarveyDiamonds) March 5, 2026
Pedigree of the Midfield Prodigy
Lewis-Skelly’s pedigree shows he is ready for a greater duty. At just 18 years and 176 days old, he became the youngest player to score on his England senior debut. He broke the record once held by Marcus Rashford. His 88.6% pass accuracy and ability to drive through pressure make him a natural fit for central midfield.
While Zubimendi has had trouble with Premier League pressing intensity, Lewis-Skelly offers calmness and progression. Shifting him from left-back into a central role should provide the energy and progression necessary for the squad.
To keep his growth on track, Arteta must give him more first-team football soon. He has already proved he can handle big moments in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Lewis-Skelly Is the Secret Weapon Mikel Arteta Needs
Arsenal has to manage their title push without burning out key players. The final stretch calls for fresh legs and sharp skills. Lewis-Skelly offers both. Starting the 18-year-old in midfield might just be the move that helps bring back the title at the Emirates.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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