Friday 26 August 2016 11:00, UK
Arsenal defender Rob Holding admits his life has "changed massively" since joining from Bolton Wanderers this summer.
Holding, a £2m signing, has been thrown into the side due to defensive injuries, playing the full 90 minutes in the 4-3 defeat by Liverpool and goalless draw at Leicester.
The 20-year-old was delighted to get a clean sheet under his belt at the home of the champions, but admits the standout difference has been the speed of thought in attackers in the Premier League.
Holding told Sky Sports News HQ: "Obviously it's more difficult, it's a lot faster around your feet, the balls are on the floor all of the time and in the Championship it is more like a 90-minute fight, with balls coming in at all heights.
"It's a lot faster, they're thinking faster, and that's the key. The front three Liverpool had - Lallana, Coutinho, Mane - they're top end Premier League players, and the speed and counter attack.
"[My life] has changed massively, I'm living on my own now for the first time, learning how to cook, giving it a go and not just getting a takeaway every day!
"First of all when I came into the changing room and saw Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, I'm next to Cazorla in the changing room which is absolutely crazy.
"But once you get on the pitch you settle into your football, and you can appreciate the talent they have as well."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been criticised this summer for not buying a top-class striker or another central defender.
After the draw at Leicester, the Frenchman joked "Nobody is speaking about the performance of Rob Holding today. You should be happy; he is English, he is 20 years old, but I'm sorry he didn't cost £55m, so it cannot be good."
Holding admits he took the comments as a big compliment, and says Arsenal players are confident about the quality they already have in the squad for the season ahead.
"I took it as a massive compliment for him to say that, even if it was a bit of sarcasm to the media, I enjoyed it.
"[Wenger] has helped me settle in really easily, he's spoken to me on a one-to-one basis, he talks you through games and reviews your games.
"There are no worries about the season ahead. We know the talent we've got, and we can pick up points in any game. We don't go into any games fearing it. We can win any game."
Watch the extended interview with Holding on Sky Sports News HQ on Friday
