Rob Holding has admitted that Petr Cech’s clean sheet record has been hanging over the 35-year-old.

Cech reached 199 clean sheets back in December 2017 during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle and has since been stuck. In fact, the 35-year-old had conceded 21 goals since that match.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Petr Cech of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on March 11, 2018 in London, England. Petr Cech of Arsenal reached his 200th clean sheet. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Petr Cech of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on March 11, 2018 in London, England. Petr Cech of Arsenal reached his 200th clean sheet. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Rob Holding, who did a solid job at centre-back during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Watford, has revealed that the goalkeeper’s record had been hanging over his head ever since he reached 199.

“I’m buzzing for Petr to get over that milestone. It’s been hanging over his head for a while and it was a great penalty save from him. It was everything we wanted, really,” Holding told Arsenal.com.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for Troy Deeney, Cech saved the Hornet’s penalty in the second half at Ashburton Grove on Sunday. Not only was it his first penalty save in red-and-white but it helped him to 200 cleans sheets, which is more than any other Premier League keeper has managed. Ever.

Cech may be past his best but, in his day, he was a fantastic shot-stopper and it’s upsetting to hear just how heavily this personal record was hanging over him.

It wouldn’t have been the personal achievement he wanted, he would have just been gutted at repeatedly letting Arsenal down.

Last week, when the former Czech international let in two goals against Brighton, he took to Twitter to shoulder the blame. It takes a decent human being to be able to do that.