MIKEL ARTETA has revealed he has found the solution to Arsenal’s defensive crisis… and it’s David Luiz.
The Gunners have let in 30 goals in just 21 Premier League games – the joint worst in the top ten alongside hated neighbours Spurs.
David Luiz is the answer to Arsenal’s defensive problems, says boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty – Contributor
It was thought that new boss Arteta would make a multi-million pound bid for another centre-half to shore up the North Londoners’ ropey backline.
Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti was among those linked with a move.
But Arteta says 32-year-old Brazilian Luiz – an £8million summer signing from Chelsea – is the answer.
He said: “He’s a player that has won more trophies than anybody else in that dressing room.
“We have to use that in a very powerful way. I wanted him to step up, I wanted him to put all his qualities – his personality and his experience – towards the team and he made a big step forward. I am very, very pleased with him.
“In the games he has played under me so far he has been terrific.
“His attitude in training, the way he communicates with his teammates, his desire to still learn, it’s superb. I am delighted with him.
“I have to share my principles and what I expect from them in every situation on the pitch, which might be a little different from what they do with other managers, but positionally they have to understand what I expect from them.
“For me the most helpful thing for [stopping errors] is communication. If you are consistently communicating with your teammates around you it makes you stay focused on what is happening all the time.
“If you don’t talk to each other there are always moments or gaps when your focus can go, and the back four can’t have those moments.”
Arsenal are in the middle of a defensive crisis.
Full-backs Hector Bellerin, Keiran Tierney and Calum Chambers are all out long term.
Fans have been unimpressed with Arteta’s belief in Luiz as the answer.
One fan, calling himself Vladimir Trump, said: “the problem with Arsenal for a very long time isnt a lack of talent but poor mentality. He is playing the psychological game with Luis to get the best out of him! Arteta is going to be a great manager for us…the signs are there!”
Another, Taz101, said: “He is past his best and needs a new Koscielny level partner”
While Germany fan COTU recalled his nation’s World Cup semi-final 2014 demolition of Brazil when Luiz was awful as the Europeans scored seven goals.
He posted: “Lol I remember him “leading” the defence against a German team that was led by a 36-year-old striker.”
Speaker John Bercow posted: “So? They are still rubbish. This whole thing is the emperor’s new clothes v2.”
But Adameyang praised Arteta, saying: “This is a turning out to be quite a signing. Different player since arteta arrived. Hope it continues. The way he’s mentoring Gabigoal off the pitch and is more than good enough for me bcse that boy is going to be world class and so far is because Luiz is helping him to adapt quickly.”
Arsenal have kept two clean sheets on the trot, against Leeds and Manchester United.
They only kept two clean sheets all season in the league under previous boss Unai Emery.
Luiz has been playing alongside another veteran Sokratis, 31.
The pair are set to continue away to Crystal Palace in the league this lunch time.
Arteta has seen change in Arsenal morale
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
