Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has praised Gunners stopper Rob Holding.

Much has been made of the recent absence of Arsenal defender William Saliba through injury.

While the Frenchman was outstanding this season next to Gabriel, his countryman Silvestre believes Holding is good enough to fill in and help the team win the league.

He told bettingexpert.com: "Obviously Arsenal will be disappointed [drawing to Liverpool] because they were leading 2-0 away from home.

"I think in their mind they gave up two points. Nevertheless, they have to play Man City and Newcastle as well.

"I think the race is on. So, it will be a very tight one but I think Arsenal can manage it.

"They've been through a lot this season and I think they can hold their nerves and keep playing the way they have done. For Rob Holding, because he's been at the club so long, he knows what's at stake, he understands his role now, I think he's ready.

"Yeah he's not at the level of Gabriel and Saliba, I think he's a good enough replacement to get them over the line. I don't think Rob Holding is a weak link.

"It's a team game and the back four, back six, I would say, are doing well. If you change one player, it's not going to change the end result. Time will tell how big of a blow it [Saliba's injury] is.

"Obviously he's been an essential part of that partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes and it's a shame he's not fit to fight for the club."