Rob Holding believes that Unai Emery’s grit and organisation are going to be key to Arsenal’s top-four challenge this season.
The Gunners survived a late onslaught on the south coast to record a 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth and extend their unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions.
Emery’s side took the lead through a bizarre Jefferson Lerma own goal but were pegged back on the stroke of half before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the net midway through the second half to secure a valuable three points.
Speaking after the game to talkSPORT Holding praised the character of his teammates, and highlighted the impact their new manager has had on the squad.
He said: “We’ve had tough games here [Vitality Stadium] and when they scored seconds before half-time we could have put our heads down and came out in the second-half not at it.
“We put it behind us though and went again and we have been strong in the second-half this season so we knew we’d get goals.
“You’ve got Manchester City and Liverpool at the top who are very strong but if we can keep chipping away and get the points we need then I feel we could be up there [top four].
“We never give up and never stop trying but I think tactically we’re stronger and we’re a bit more organised this season.”
The win sees Arsenal move within one point of the top four, with neighbours Tottenham set to visit the Emirates on Sunday.
OPINION
Arsenal under Unai Emery have been a joy to watch at times, but the most impressive aspect of their season so far has been the resolve they have shown repeatedly in tricky situations. Towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s tenure they looked flimsy and more than beatable, but since Emery took the helm they’ve refused to go down without a fight. It will take while for the Gunners to rebuild the fearsome reputation they once held, but 17 games unbeaten is a decent way to begin that process. Most striking has been their relentlessness in pursuing a win – Aubameyang’s winner against Bournemouth was the 21st goal Arsenal have scored in the second half of league matches so far this campaign, compared to just seven in the first 45. Whether it’s a case of better fitness or stronger motivation is matter for discussion, but whatever it is, there can be little doubt as to the effect Emery is having on a side that has underperformed for far too long.