Starboy Bukayo Saka might have been the main man in Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace on Sunday, but the former academy starlet was quick to hail the contribution of Rob Holding in the Gunners backline.

Holding came in for his first Premier League start of the season – the first time the central defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba had been broken up in the league since Saliba made his debut  – and the former Bolton defender put in an excellent shift to help his side to three vital points. 

“I gave him a big hug when he came into the changing room because he deserves it,” Saka beamed afterward. “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.”

Saka’s own contribution was also unbelievable. The winger scored twice and assisted our opener, meaning he’s now into double figures for both goals and assists – the first player to reach both landmarks this Premier League campaign.

It’s the first time Arsenal have had a player reach 10+ goals and 10+ assists since Alexis Sanchez in 2016/17.

Saka said: “I’m just happy to help my team. Each game I want to go into the games and try and affect them in the best way to help my team win, whether that’s scoring or assisting. I managed to do that today and help us win the game, so I’m happy again.”