Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Rob Holding: Stuck between a rock and a hard place

By Charles Binns

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Rob Holding of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Rob Holding of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Rob Holding of Arsenal looks dejected after Manchester City scored their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Rob Holding of Arsenal looks dejected after Manchester City scored their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

3. Fan feeling

Fans seem fed up. The season has been immense, meaningful and memorable. If one asked an Arsenal fan at the start of the season if they would take fourth, most would have said yes.

Therefore the season as a whole is a success. However, there is a lingering feeling that if the club was slightly further in its pursuit of excellence, vis a vis a better bench with more quality, perhaps the title could have been secured this season. Holding is one of the most tenured players at the club, and it is hard to see him playing a role in the coming seasons if Arsenal are to challenge for the biggest trophies in football. As we have seen with City, the Champions League and the Premier League require star quality in the starting XI and in reserve. The future of the centre-back may seem daunting, especially with how fans are feeling now.

Holding is a good player for Arsenal and has immense value when it comes to filling in for short-term injuries, team morale and leadership. However, the club is now expected to go forth and challenge for titles, and Holding may want game time.

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