Arsenal’s 0-3 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage saw Willian lay down two assists in his Premier League debut for the Gunners.
Chelsea wanted Willian to stay at the Stamford Bridge. However, the Brazilian did not want to indulge in more contract negotiations next year.
Mikel Arteta swooped in at the right time and impressed him with his project. He has repaid that faith with two assists in his Premier League debut.
Willian continued where he finished last season, and Rob Holding believes it was always expected from him. The defender was in awe of the new dressing room addition and attributed his top outing for the reason of his arrival.
“I know Willian from when we’ve played Chelsea. I know he’s got all the ability so it’s nice to have him in your team,” Rob Holding told Arsenal’s official website. “He proved today why we signed him and Gabriel was solid as a rock. He won everything aerially and finished off with a nice goal as well.”
Arsenal finished the 2019/20 season with the FA Cup trophy at the expense of Chelsea. They began the current season with the addition of Community Shield to their ever-burgeoning ranks.
Their season opener could not have gone any better, as they managed a clean sheet. Holding believes it is a sign of better times to come and has added confidence to their ranks.
“For sure, yes. Finishing the season with a trophy and starting this one with the Community shield win,” Holding added.
“We’ve got a load of confidence coming in and now we want to have a good run and go for it.”
“Exactly, to win the clean sheet is always nice. We wanted to make a little bit of a statement in the first game of the season.
“The first one to kick us off so… other teams will be watching and will see the result before they went in, so to get a good 3-0 win away from home is a good start.”
Arsenal are involved in another London derby in their next outing. They welcome David Moyes’ West Ham to the Emirates next weekend.
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