Ian Wright has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench Rob Holding for Jakub Kiwior in Arsenal’s last game against Chelsea.
Holding has been filling in for the injured William Saliba, but the Englishman’s lack of pace makes him an easy target for several clubs and he is considered a weak link in the Arsenal backline.
This has made fans call for him to be benched, and Arteta seems to have followed the fan’s cravings by benching Holding in the last fixture.
Kiwior had a good game, but Wright seems to believe the gaffer was targeting the defender unfairly.
He says via The Sun:
“I think [Arteta] has been a bit unfair on Rob Holding.
“He is somebody who hasn’t had a lot of minutes. He was someone who came in to replace William Saliba – and he is fantastic.
“Yes, in certain instances, Rob has been done for pace. We have seen him isolated and it has caused a bit of a problem.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Holding does not inspire confidence and most Arsenal fans see him as a player who can cause trouble at the back.
If he does not improve, Kiwior will move ahead of him on the pecking order and he will have only himself to blame for the situation.
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I doubt manay oif any will agre with Wrights odd opinion Holding , very obviously, is not SAraenal quality nor anywhere near it , intruth YES HE IS A GREAT LAD LOYAL AND A GOOD CLUB MAN But that is all meaningless andirrelevant IF we TRULY want to win thE Prem You need top quality alongside loyalty and 100% effort. But TOP CLASS standard of play is by far the most important part of that.
If we only neede loyalty we could pick a team of labradors and they would at least have some bite. But YOU NEED TOP QUALITY. Am I wrong!!!?
And Holding,. lovely bloke though he is, does, NOT HAVE IT!! Reality!!
“he will have only himself to blame for the situation.”
I wouldn’t phrase it like that – Holding always does his best, it’s just looking like kiwior is a better, all-round defender. Holding can only do what he can do.
Davi, like I’ve said before, it’s not Holding’s fault that Arteta kept picking him. I think Arteta has kept Rob around because he likes him as a person. Hopefully Kiwior will be good for us, I already prefer him to Gabriel, but it’s early days.
I think Holding lacks confidence has a defender and this has being witnessed in our last two draws,we need someone who is vibrant and kiwior has shown a sign he can make it.if today kiwior starts our game against Newcastle and manage it, definitely preferring him than Holding will be the best option
The hair transplant makes him more beautiful but it hasn’t improved his game.
There was a time earlier in the season where holding was seen as an important influence fun the sidelines and showed great spirit when coming on to help close out games. I think that’s what endears him to arteta, understandably. As he has that role in the side, it would be incredibly cold not to give him the chance when the CB who plays his side of the pitch is out injured.
While holding hasn’t played terribly on an individual level, I do think he has weakened us as a unit (although, even then, you could say the form of several other players played a bigger part, particularly partey).
I think it’s right for him to lose his place as he hasn’t shown he can handle it to the level we need, but he shouldn’t be made a scapegoat for our poor results – I think most fans have seen it in the right way.
Rob’s not great, but Gabriel, periodically combusts. He’s too excitable, over-emotional and an all-round drama queen. Every time we play City he just implodes. Can’t take the pressure. Let’s pray that Kiwior can be a calming presence.
We need the cup Ateta must be serious he should bench Jesus and zincheko
Kiwior certainly looked very good against a poor Chelsea side but today will be a big test if he plays against a very good Newcastle team who have players up front that will bully you.
Against this Chelsea side my Grandma could look good.
If he plays, they will bully him, he isnt ready!
what you saying now son?
Chelsea were so abject that Holding would have looked good against them. I see the scapegoat apologists are out. Holding is not the greatest defender but more mistakes were made by other more profile players than him but and the manager that led to the downfall in the four dreadful games that led to the collapse.
I think wright is referring to the singling out of Holding when it was far more than him.
I don’t think it’s a reflection of Holding’s performances.just that,if there was a game to introduce Kiwior, Chelsea was it and so it proved.
Holding is not as good as he is, because he lose focus and given open space…. Such players collapse the confidence of the team. Just that Arsenal still needs experience players not an average players if they needs to be champions
Well I myself didn’t want to judge Kiwior with Chelsea performance. But he surprised me with his performance against Newcastle. I’m beginning to have a second thought concerning him. But the only person that have been tried many times but still failing to measure up to expectations is Viera. Some drastic decisions have to be taken concerning him in the summer window.
Guys. I am optimistic. I have a feeling that Man City will draw against brendford and lose against Brighton.
That new castle game was top performance.
We have to beat Brighton next.
All I can say is this season has been a success. Well done guys.