Keown noted Holding lost his battle with Man City’s Haaland from ‘the very first challenge’ and that it resulted in the first goal
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown has chastised Gunners’ defender, Rob Holding for the way he handled Manchester City’s striker, Erling Haaland during their 4-1 trashing at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
He made the criticism while analyzing the crucial top of the table Premier League encounter between league leaders, Arsenal and champions, Man City on BT Sport.
According to Gunner’s legend, Holding lost his battle with the striker as he could not hold the Norwegian from ‘the very first challenge’.
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With the win, the Citizens have now gone within 2 points of Mikel Arteta’s men and are now in the driving seat in the title chase with two games in hand.
Holding has been deputising for French defender, William Saliba who has been out of action since picking up a back injury during their Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon.
But the Englishman was given a torrid night during the all-important clash by Haaaland.
Speaking on Holding’s performance on the night Keown said: “Holding lost that battle. The very first challenge, that’s where they concede the first goal.
“You’ve got to put your marker down, you’ve got to be physical, maybe take a booking. But Haaland is just strutting around that pitch and it looked really easy at times,”
