“Worst player on the pitch”, “Surely a social experiment” – Arsenal fans publicly slam 27-year-old star for his performance during 2-0 defeat at PSV
Arsenal fans are scrutinizing Rob Holding after a disappointing display in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on 27 October in the Europa League.
Holding was part of an Arsenal backline run ragged by the likes of Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Luuk de Jong.
The English center-back has made eight appearances, scoring one goal, but Thursday's outing was one to forget.
Goals from Joey Veerman and De Jong did the damage as the Gunners suffered their first defeat in the Europa League this season.
Holding made no tackles, one interception and one clearance during the loss at the Philips Arena.
He failed to hold off De Jong before the Dutch forward found Veerman, who fired the Eredivisie side into a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute.
Arsenal remain top of Group A on 12 points despite the defeat and hold a two-point lead over PSV heading into matchday 6.
The Gunners have already qualified for the last 16 but will need to beat FC Zurich on 3 November to remain on top of their group.
They will finish second if they draw or lose against the Swiss side and if PSV beat Bodo/Glimt.
If Arteta's side finish second, they will drop into the play-offs to face a side that finish third in their Champions League group.
However, the aftermath of the loss to PSV has Gunners fans raging and many are criticizing Holding.
Here are some reactions from supporters on Twitter to the Englishman's disappointing outing:
Rob holding is shocking
Holding is the biggest embarrassment looooooooooooool
Another defensive mess from the backline beginning with Holding stepping out and getting caught
Holding is still ass though
Sambi will get a lot of stick for this match but Rob Holding has been the worst player on the pitch by a mile
Rob Holding is surely a social experiment
Only reason Holding plays for Arsenal is cos he’s a nice guy
When will arsenal fans realise
1. holding isn’t even good enough for backup level
2. Arsenal squad isn’t good enough for Europe and PL 🤷♂️🤝 #UEL #AFC
Olympique Marseille are still crying over William Saliba returning to Arsenal according to Frank Leboeuf
Chelsea legend Leboeuf has claimed that Marseille are still upset over Saliba's loan-spell with the Ligue 1 side ending.
The French defender was a huge hit at the Stade Veledrome, making 52 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign.
He was named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for his impressive season at Marseille but returned from his loan to Arsenal in the summer.
Leboeuf said (via Metro):
"Marseille are still crying over the fact that he didn’t stay. But it has proved a wise decision by Arsenal and Mikel Arteta to keep him and play him, and also Saliba has made the right choice himself to be playing in the Premier League."
The former Chelsea defender lauded Saliba's performances at the heart of the Gunners' defense:
"He has stabilized their central defense. Credit to Ben White also he combines well with Bukayo Saka and even Granit Xhaka has reinvented himself now. He’s the heart of the Gunners right now and Saliba is profiting from that right now too."
Saliba has made 13 appearances this season at the Emirates Stadium across competitions, scoring two goals and creating an assist.
However, he was part of the Gunners side that disappointed against PSV and played alongside Holding.