Charles Watts, the Arsenal correspondent for Goal, has been discussing Rob Holding’s performance during the club’s recent fixture versus Watford at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners took on the Hornets, who were coached by Hayden Mullins as they battled to maintain their Premier League status, however, it was Mikel Arteta’s side who claimed all three points on the day.
Although Arsenal were victorious, Watford managed 19 attempts on Emiliano Martinez’s goal, highlighting that defensively, the home side’s performance left a lot to be desired.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, during his post-match player ratings, Watts was critical of the central defender’s performance, awarding him a 4/10 for his display. Here is what he had to say (3:40):
“If this was supposed to be a bit of an opportunity to get some confidence in Holding before the cup final next weekend, which you’d expect Holding to start, [it] didn’t work. [He] really struggled today. [He] made a bit of a clanger in the build-up for Watford’s first when he gave the ball away in the build-up to the penalty, just didn’t look comfortable all game.”
Would you start Rob Holding in the FA Cup final?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
According to WhoScored.com, Holding’s display versus Watford earned him a rating of 6.53/10, meaning that of those who started the game, only David Luiz in the Arsenal defence performed to a poorer standard, with a rating of 6.16/10.
Following the recent announcement that Shkodran Mustafi will miss the upcoming FA Cup final versus Chelsea due to a hamstring problem, Holding could be selected to start at Wembley next weekend – and judging by his assessment of the 24-year-old, we can assume Watts is concerned by that.
In our view, the fact Mustafi is unavailable will come as a blow to Mikel Arteta, considering the World Cup winner has been the club’s fifth-most consistent performer in the Premier League this season with an average rating of 6.94/10 (via WhoScored.com).