David Luiz has hit back at his critics after delivering a phenomenal defensive display in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory against Manchester City.
The Brazilian centre-back made a disastrous cameo just over a month ago in the Premier League against Pep Guardiola’s side, gifting Raheem Sterling the opening goal before managing to get himself sent off for a challenge on Riyad Mahrez.
While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero at the other end with the two goals, Luiz put in a superb display at Wembley this time around, getting his head to many crosses and making one noticeable block from a goalbound Sterling effort.
Following his heroics, Luiz appeared to want to set the record straight, and stated he used his experience to come back from that nightmare situation at the Etihad last month and deliver an excellent performance at Wembley.
‘There was a lot of criticism of me, I think you can say that,’ Luiz told BT Sport after the Gunners’ victory against City.
‘That’s part of football. I understood during my career that part of football is about surviving. Every day you’re going to defend your team, and the other people are going to support different teams.’
‘It’s about surviving, so that’s what I did. I was working hard every single day after my mistakes. I took the blame, I was mature enough to understand that. I was also humble [enough] to work more for the team.
‘We have a final to play this season. We are going to try to win a title for this club because this club, I always say, deserves to shine again.’
The 33-year-old Brazilian is one of the more experienced members of the current Arsenal squad, but took the opportunity to praise the squad’s humility as well as speaking highly of boss Mikel Arteta’s philosophy.
However, Luiz insisted that the Gunners have not yet reached their end goal and still have progress to make to end up challenging for the big trophies again.
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