‘Brilliant’: Arteta hints £40k-a-week Arsenal defender could start tonight, he’s been so good in training
Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal defender Rob Holding could start tonight and told Hayters TV he’s been brilliant in training.
Arsenal are set to travel to Oxford tonight for a third round FA Cup clash and will be hoping to set-up a huge meeting with Manchester City in the next round.
Arteta will have fond memories of the competition after winning it in his first season with the Gunners.
But he will also be wary after seeing some huge upsets over the weekend, especially after Arsenal crashed out of the competition to Nottingham Forest last season.
The Spaniard spoke to the media yesterday ahead of the third round tie and has hinted that he could hand Holding his seventh start of the season.
Arteta on Holding
Holding has mainly been used in cup competitions by Arteta this season, with both Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba performing excellently in Arsenal’s backline.
But it seems the £40,000-a-week defender has been impressing his boss in training recently.
“Rob in particular has been exceptional well because he’s always there the way he trains when you need him for 15/20 minutes to close a game, he’s always been there and available,” Arteta said.
“When you have the opportunity, when you behave like that, you are ready to give your best and hopefully that will be the case on Monday.”
Holding’s last start came back in November as Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by Brighton in the EFL Cup.
The 27-year-old didn’t enjoy his best game but he will be hoping to put in a more solid performance against Oxford tonight.
The League One outfit are currently sitting around mid-table, while Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League.
But after witnessing some huge upsets this weekend, Arteta will be warning his players to guard against complacency, especially as it’s a competition Arsenal have a great chance of winning.
