Rob Holding has hailed Arsenal duo Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes after the new signings starred during Saturday's 3-0 win at Fulham.
Arsenal's 2020/21 Premier League season got off to the perfect start as goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and summer arrival Gabriel sealed a comfortable victory at Craven Cottage.
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel looked assured at the back for Mikel Arteta's side while providing a headed goal at the other end, while compatriot Willian assisted all three of the Gunners' goals.
Holding played to the right of former Lille star Gabriel in a three-man defence, and was impressed by the new arrivals settling quickly.
"I know Willian from when we've played Chelsea," Holding said following the win. "I know he's got all the ability so it's nice to have him in your team.
"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."
Having ended a difficult 2019/20 campaign on a high by lifting the FA Cup, Holding says he and his team-mates are looking to build on that momentum - and a strong defence is key to that.
In Pictures | Fulham vs Arsenal | 12/09/2020
"To win the clean sheet is always nice," he said. "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."
He added: "Finishing the season with a trophy and starting this one with the Community shield win... we've got a load of confidence coming in and now we want to have a good run and go for it."
