LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
West Ham vs Arsenal: 3 ways Arsenal can exploit their London rivals
Rob Holding scored in this fixture last season. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
#2: Play Rob Holding to his strengths.
Despite the anxiety induced by his limited pace and discomfort in possession, Rob Holding offers other qualities that make him a decent option for this clash.
He will be of particular use in nullifying the direct style Moyes favours, with his aerial presence and touch-tight marking welcome assets in our efforts to counter the long balls West Ham will aim towards Michail Antonio.
Furthermore, Holding’s height equips us well for the hosts’ considerable set-piece threat, and the speed at which his teammates tend to recover their defensive shape should keep him out of the firing line when they break in transition.
The 27-year-old has deputised admirably in Saliba’s absence so far, and another “few weeks” of unavailability indicate he must produce a couple more big performances before the season is out.
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