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Boxing Rob Holding not a weak link in what will be a tight title race, says Mikael Silvestre
With Arsenal relinquishing a 2-0 lead at Anfield and sharing a point with Liverpool, the 2022-23 Premier League is set for an enticing race to the finish between the Gunners and reigning champions, Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men have eight games to maintain a slender lead over Manchester City, who have a game in hand. It will be a daunting prospect for Arsenal who have to play away at West Ham next, play at St. James’ Park and also take on Manchester City at the Etihad in what could be a title-clinching match.
We sat down with former Arsenal and Manchester United defender, and four-time Premier League winner, Mikael Silvestre, to discuss what promises to be a nail-biting title race. The Frenchman explained why he thinks Arsenal can still win it and also gave his thoughts on who could be Arsenal’s weak link in this run.
In this article:
- The title race will be tight but Arsenal can manage it
- Saliba’s injury is a shame but Holding is not a weak link
The title race will be tight but Arsenal can manage it
The former France international remarked that Arsenal will be disappointed by the result at Anfield as they were two goals up. He also pointed to their fixture list that includes away trips to Manchester City and Newcastle, saying the title race is heating up.
“Obviously Arsenal will be disappointed because they were leading 2-0 away from home. I think in their mind they gave up two points.”
“Nevertheless, they have to play Man City and Newcastle as well.”
“I think the race is on.”
Silvestre, however, believes that Arsenal will be able to manage the pressure as in his opinion, they’ve faced a lot of adversity this season but have been able to play their game no matter what.
“So, it will be a very tight one but I think Arsenal can manage it. They’ve been through a lot this season and I think they can hold their nerves and keep playing the way they have done.”
Saliba’s injury is a shame but Holding is not a weak link
With defensive stalwart William Saliba not featuring too much because of a back injury, the Gunners have played the last few games with Rob Holding partnering Gabriel Magalhães.
Silvestre expressed that the situation is not ideal but also said that Holding is a good enough replacement who can get Arsenal over the line.
“Time will tell how big of a blow it (Saliba’s injury) is. Obviously he’s been an essential part of that partnership with Gabriel Magalhães. And it’s a shame he’s not fit to fight for the club.”
“For Rob Holding, because he’s been at the club so long, he knows what’s at stake, he understands his role now, I think he’s ready.”
“Yeah he’s not at the level of Gabriel and Saliba, I think he’s a good enough replacement to get them over the line.”
“No, I don’t think Rob Holding is a weak link. It’s a team game and the back four, back six, I would say, are doing well. If you change one player, it’s not going to change the end result.”
