Riccardo Calafiori reveals what Mikel Arteta said at half-time whilst Arsenal were losing to Man City

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Mikel Arteta once again turned to Riccardo Calafiori during Arsenal’s crucial clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

Despite how well Myles Lewis-Skelly played last season, Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as Arteta’s clear first choice this term.

Given Calafiori’s return to fitness, Arsenal now have the luxury of taking 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly out of the limelight for a period, a youngster who’s played a lot of minutes.

Instead, Arteta has relied upon Calafiori during a tough run of games to start the Premier League season, and the Italian has coped admirably.

Calafiori has impressed Mikel Merino along with many Arsenal fans this season, and he’s clearly going to be crucial for Arteta throughout the campaign.

Riccardo Calafiori says Mikel Arteta didn’t ask for big changes at half-time

That being said, Calafiori spoke to Stadium Astro following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Calafiori seemed somewhat disappointed not to win at the Emirates – he felt as if Arsenal controlled the game.

And during the interview, Calafiori was asked what Arteta said to his players at half-time back in the dressing room, when Arsenal were losing 1-0.

READ MORE: Micah Richards says why he thinks Eberechi Eze didn’t start for Arsenal against Man City

Arteta made two changes at the break – he brought on Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

But in terms of what the Arsenal manager told his players, he didn’t ask for big changes.

Sharing what Arteta demanded, Calafiori said: “Just to keep playing like that and to nail some situations, to try and do a little bit better in some situations.

“I think we done it at the end, and maybe next time we will not concede that goal earlier, so that’s the only thing to improve I think.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly deserves to start against Port Vale in the EFL Cup

As mentioned, Calafiori has gone ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order at Arsenal, a sensible decision from the outside looking in.

But when Arsenal face Port Vale in the EFL Cup this week, it presents an excellent chance for Arteta to prove just how strong his squad has become.

And as part of the changes, Lewis-Skelly should start in a back four who are yet to play together.

Lewis-Skelly should be joined by Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White – a back four who wouldn’t look out of place competing for a Premier League title.

That strength in depth illuminates why Arsenal should win a trophy this season, Arteta now has a squad deep enough to compete on all fronts.

And although Lewis-Skelly isn’t a starter right now, he will still be crucial across the long season ahead.