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Men’s Football Mikel Arteta hails David Luiz’s recent performances

by Layth Yousif

DAVID LUIZ’S fist-pump in Arsenal colours during the goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday at the Emirates was a fleeting moment, but an instructive one. 

As the clock ticked down towards the interval, the Red Devils were attempting to gain a foothold in an absorbing clash. 

The creative Bruno Fernandes was lining up a free-kick in a near identical position to where he scored against Liverpool last weekend.

The Gunners knew that to concede at that moment could be fatal to their hopes of remaining unbeaten in the Premier League in 2021. 

Yet, with all eyes on the 26-year-old Portuguese international, this new and improved side starting to flourish under Mikel Arteta, was far more organised than previous editions, and reacted accordingly. 

Arteta and his team were aware Fernandes had beaten Reds keeper Alisson on the goalkeeper’s side, a fact that influenced Arsenal in their defending of the set-piece. 

While Gunners staff instructed Hector Bellerin to lie behind the wall to quash any thoughts of low effort, Fernandes’s right-footed deadball was subsequently blocked by Luiz. 

Luiz, pleased as the ball spun off for a corner, then unleashed an unbridled eruption of passion, allied with no little satisfaction, at the notion of the Arsenal backline repelling a dangerous foe on their way to a hard-earned point in a goalless draw.

“It’s credit to him because he trains really hard,” said his boss Arteta after the match, hailing Luiz’s contribution, as the Gunners made it seven league games unbeaten.

“This season has been really tough because he’s been through injuries — but he’s kept at it, he understood his role, he knows his role in the team, he’s one of our leaders and he’s so willing to keep improving. 

“Even at this age he’s always looking at his games and his clips, all the time asking questions. When that happens you can still improve as a player and that’s why he’s performing the way he is at the moment.”

While the ever cantankerous — and ever watchable — Roy Keane was sarcastically dismissive of Luiz’s delight at keeping United out, those at Arsenal value the former Chelsea centreback’s contribution far more.

But enough for another one year contract, to make it three in a row? 

The Brazilian centreback, who won Champions League and Premier League titles during his two spells at Chelsea, as well as two FA Cups and the Europa League — moved out of his comfort zone to join Arsenal in 2019.

“He showed his character with the decision he made to join when he was with a club where he was winning trophies — and was comfortable and under contract,” but, explained Arteta,“he wanted a challenge. 

“It tells you everything, because normally at that age the challenge is not sporting but more a financial decision you take to go to a different country. 

“But David loves this game so much and he wants to keep playing at the highest level in a very competitive league. This is the challenge he’s enjoying at the moment.” 

If the Gunners’ excellent form continues stand by for further fist-pumps from the talented Brazilian.

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