Arsenal defender Rob Holding has opened up about his debut against Liverpool in 2016, and confrontations he had with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and forward Sadio Mane.
The 25-year-old has been an ever-present figure in the Gunners' first-team this season, chalking up 18 appearances in total.
The centre-back, who was out for a few games with a hamstring issue in October, has been one key part of Mikel Arteta's ever-improving side in recent weeks.
The former Bolton Wanderers defender captained the team against Everton in December and he is beginning to form a solid partnership with Pablo Mari at the back.
Now the former England U21 star has opened up on one of the more remarkable stories of his career.
Rewind to August 2016 when he made his Arsenal debut in a 4-3 loss to Liverpool, in what was his first-ever trip to the Emirates.
On that day, Philippe Coutinho and Mane were in irresistible form, as the Brazilian bagged a brace and the Senegalese attacker scored as well.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Holding said: “Jeez, they came out flying in the second half. “It was crazy.”
Arsenal were level at the break in that game but Liverpool scored three goals in 14 second-half minutes to turn the match in their favour.
Fast forward to the end of last season in July and this time Holding was dishing out what he had to offer.
He went toe-to-toe with Mane at the Emirates, throwing the Liverpool winger to the floor and then exchanging words with the visiting bench.
“There were words said, and Jurgen Klopp got involved,” he said.
“We were all giving each other a bit of stick. I remember it getting [Alexandre] Lacazette going, he got really hyper off it.
"People were telling me to relax and keep my head, but I was fine.
"I don’t mind that. It was a little thing that ignited the team.
"And for me personally it was important to do that, to stand up for myself.”
Holding has just signed a new-long term contract with Arsenal, running until 2024 with an option of a further year.
Technical director Edu told the club's website: “We are very happy to have signed Rob on a new contract extension.
"He is 25 years old, so is still coming into the peak of his career, and we are delighted that he’ll be with us during these important years.
"Rob has shown great quality and maturity on and off the pitch in recent months and is developing well.
"We are looking forward to Rob continuing his progression in the years to come.”
