Ian Wright claimed that Rob Holding was ‘terrified’ of the pace of Heung-Min Son as he was sent off during Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Thursday night.
Before the game, this north London derby showdown was possibly built as one of the ‘biggest in a generation‘ because Champions League football is at stake.
But, Spurs ran riot in the first half, going 2-0 up, including Holding getting sent off, and both yellow cards were awarded for fouls on Son.
It’s common knowledge that Son likes to play on the shoulder of defenders, the South Korean star is an expert at it and you can’t stop him when he motors forward.
That proved to be the case for Arsenal’s back-up centre-back Holding, who was criticised by Wright, as he told Premier League Productions (12/05/22 at 8:40 pm) that it was a ‘mis-match’.
“Rob Holding is terrified of his pace,” said Wright. “In each instance, we are seeing is Rob Holding trying to win the ball.
“Especially after the first couple, you say okay it’s going into him. Let him get hold of it and maybe lay it back because you can’t afford to go down to ten men.
“He has got no complaints (for the red card). That right side has been a problem for us. It has been a mismatch. You can see how uncomfortable Holding was.
“In the end, the way he has been sent off, he has no defence of himself there.”
ARSENAL, TOTTENHAM AND CHELSEA IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIGHT
That win isn’t just bad news for Arsenal, but Chelsea also, who will now be looking over their shoulder.
It’s a big ask, but if both Arsenal and Spurs win their remaining two matches and Chelsea lose, then they will finish fifth.
But there’s no doubt that the race for Champions League football has taken another twist and all the pressure is now on Arsenal.
Spurs have Burnley and Norwich for their remaining two matches, whilst the Gunners have a tricky away trip to Newcastle on Monday night, before hosting Everton on the final day.
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