Lewis-Skelly, 19, was handed his first senior start in midfield by Mikel Arteta — a positional switch from the left back role in which he made his name last season — and he delivered a performance of maturity and energy that drew a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd and a lengthy embrace from Arteta at the full-time whistle.
Viktor Gyökeres scored twice and Bukayo Saka also netted as Arsenal completed a dominant first-half performance against Fulham, with all three goals arriving before the break.
Lewis-Skelly spoke with excitement after the match.
"Honestly, I was buzzing. Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game and play it simple but also be effective, which was really good today."
He explained what he sees as the midfielder's primary responsibility.
"It's hugely important for me to set that tone. When you're in midfield, there's a certain rally you have to attain — to set the tone, get the engine of the team going. I thought I did a good job of that today."
On the collective feel of the performance he added: "It's a credit to all our players because when we're all on the same wavelength, we're really feeling it, playing with synergy, playing with that energy together. I feel like we're one."
The occasion carried extra significance. Saturday was also the day that Per Mertesacker, the former Arsenal and Germany centre-back who now leads the club's academy, was presented with a silver cannon to mark his 15-year association with the club. Lewis-Skelly is one of the most prominent graduates of his programme.
The crowd serenaded the teenager with a chant of '49, 49, Lewis-Skelly' during the second half, a tribute he felt deeply.
"These are my people, so I'm just so grateful to them. They're our top player, they give us so much energy and we're so grateful for them."
He also took a moment to pay tribute to Mertesacker directly.
"I just want to say thanks to Per for everything he's taught me. He's been a real role model and the lessons that he's instilled in me, I'm so grateful. I wish him all the best."
Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, with the tie level at 1-1.