Rob Holding has explained that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was not happy with his players at half-time during their 2-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday.
The defender, who got a last minute call-up to the line-up as a result of Ben White's hamstring injury, opened the scoring for the Gunners with his first ever Premier League goal. But Arsenal conceded on the stroke of half-time, allowing Jarrod Bowen to cushion a touch in the penalty area before striking a shot past Aaron Ramsdale and into the bottom corner.
Conceding just before the break angered Arteta, who had to deliver some home truths in the dressing room at half-time. "Yeah, we were a bit disappointed to concede that coming in just before half time," Holding told Arsenal Media after the game. "It would have been nice to go in one-nil, but he gave us all a shouting and telling off and we came out and looked more like a team and played how he wanted to play."
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Nevertheless, Arsenal responded well, and a second-half goal from Gabriel Magalhaes restored their lead. They then had the maturity to see out another win - something that Holding has been instrumental to of late, but normally from the bench.
It was only his second league start since January, but he's often come on during the latter stages of the game to help his team secure victory. "The fans were calling to bring Rob Holding on, but he was already on!" he laughed. "It’s what it’s been like, Ben and Gabi have been great all year and when I’ve had to come on and try and help us secure the three points it’s vital for us, so to play the full 90 and get the three points is even better."
The win means Arsenal remain in fourth place on 63 points with four games to go, three points behind Chelsea and two ahead of north London rivals Tottenham. Therefore, it's bound to be an interesting end to the race for Champions League football.
