DAVID LUIZ addressed his critics following his defensive masterclass against Manchester City.
The Gunners thumped Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0 to book their spot in the FA Cup final.
David Luiz put in a brilliant performance against last year’s Premier League champions
Luiz, 33, has struggled to impress for Arsenal since joining from Chelsea last summer.
Fans were furious when the Gunners offered him a new contract earlier this month.
Following the win over City, the defender boldly addressed his critics.
He said: “The criticism on me? I think it’s part of the football.
“I understood during my career that football is about survival so every day you are going to defend for your team.
“So it’s about survival. I was working hard every single day after my mistakes.
“I took the blame, my trainer had to understand that. I had to be humble and work more for the team.
“We have a final to play this season and we will try and win a title for this club because this club deserves to win a trophy.”
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Luiz admitted Guardiola’s men are “miles” ahead of Arsenal, but insisted the right team won on the night.
He said: “We are in a good process with an amazing coach who wants to bring us the best football, but it is not zero to 100.
“We have to understand that day by day.
“We are improving and I happy for the team, who deserve it.
“The team understand the modern football where everybody has to defend, has to fight, to have spirit, to play every ball 100 per cent.
“The City team is miles in front of us, but we were humble and we deserved it.”
Luiz had 48 touches, won six duels, made 11 clearances and made four interceptions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “This is part of football. I didn’t have any doubts about David’s reaction.
“I’m delighted people can see this side of him.
“He’s won everything so he brings that with him. He’s doing that in a really good way.
Before he added: “Yes, but David doesn’t need a lot of management and the best way to do that is to make him play.
“Big athletes go through these moments.”
Ex-Arsenal star Robin Van Persie recently said he would bully Luiz if he played against him now.
But even the Dutchman singled Luiz out for praise after the win over City.
He said: “I would like to point out – David Luiz. He was absolutely fantastic.”
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By: Joe Miles
Title: Luiz addresses critics after anchoring Arsenal’s defence with brilliant display in Man City win
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12163305/luiz-critics-arsenal-man-city/
Published Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 22:00:02 +0000
