Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

What Bukayo Saka did to Rob Holding in Arsenal dressing room after huge Crystal Palace win

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka revealed he showed support to teammate Rob Holding after his display against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. The defender started his first Premier League game of the season in replacement for William Saliba, who was missing through injury.

The Frenchman suffered a back problem against Sporting CP in the Europa League quarter-finals, being brought off early in the first-half of the tie. A knee concern for Takehiro Tomiyasu also ruled him out of the tie, meaning Holding had to be called upon for the clash.

While there were some shaky moments and the Gunners did concede against Palace, a 4-1 win meant that the absence wasn't as sorely felt. "We hope Willy [Saliba] is going to be better news. Again we have to wait to tomorrow to get a better picture," Mikel Arteta said after the victory.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal injury latest with William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu update

"We lost players, we lost Gabi for four months, we lost Thomas [Partey] for one and a half months, we lost Alex Zinchenko for one and a half months, we lost Mo Elneny for six to eight months. Now we’ve lost Eddie [Nketiah] and Tomiyasu or Saliba. Everybody has to give a bit more. It’s not a secret. If we want to maintain that level we have to give more and Rob [Holding] is clear example of what we needed today."

Given the fact he was dropped straight into the action, there was plenty of praise for Holding as he helped secure the victory. Saka revealed he had shown support to his teammate after the game in the dressing room, exchanging a hug as well as some words on his performance.

"I gave him a big hug when he came into the changing room because he deserves it," Saka said after the clash. "He was magnificent. We need that, you know, when he’s coming in to stay at the level that we’ve been playing. He was unbelievable today, so credit to him.”

READ NEXT:

Arsenal accused of using £100m Declan Rice transfer as 'smokescreen' to sign Premier League star

Martin Odegaard and Arsenal stars to return against Crystal Palace with £21m signing on standby

Arsenal training footage reveals absentees for Crystal Palace as new first-team star returns

Arsenal facing wait on William Saliba injury with Takehiro Tomiyasu out for Crystal Palace

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.