#2 Rob Holding gives away a costly penalty
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In the 57th minute, the Arsenal youngster nearly undid all the good he had done in the previous four games. Whilst defending a cross from Leighton Baines, Holding seemingly panicked as he motioned his arm into an unnatural position towards the ball.
Michael Olivier responded by pointing to the spot instantly. Lukaku then converted the following penalty and it was game on again.
For Holding, it’s one blip in a series of blinding performances. Ever since the 21-year old emerged from the reserves, Rob Holding has been a revelation at the back. He’s played with the experience and knows it all of a 30-year old veteran that’s won several league titles.
In a back three, he complimented Koscielny and Gabriel well through his excellent positioning, in a back four, Holding intelligently dropped back as Gabriel pressed forward. He adjusts to any defensive scenario.
The Englishman recovered the ball on two occasions and made 17 passes in the middle third. His stats show that he was influential in breaking up play and starting counter attacks. He turned the ball over consistently with several interceptions, whilst making pinpoint passes to the midfielders.
