When David Luiz arrived in the summer from rivals Chelsea, there may have been one or two eyebrows raised over Arsenal’s decision to sign him. After all, the Brazilian has never truly convinced as a centre-back in his time in the Premier League, making more fouls than appearances (199) and being prone to lapses in concentration – his nightmare display at Anfield against Liverpool when he was torn apart by Mohamed Salah for the Egyptian’s second goal being a case in point.
But against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, the veteran defender proved that he is beginning to learn from his mistakes, and showed that a leopard can change its spots.
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There was none of the rashness that has accompanied his professional career, and more of the backs-to-the-wall defending of a man who has won countless trophies wherever he has been.
As per Sofascore, his 7.2 match rating was only bettered by centre-back partner Sokratis, and when looking at the underlying numbers, it is easy to see why. He had two tackles and one interception, and when the going got tough and Palace seemed to get on top, he was there to provide a much-needed safety net, making a team-high five clearances.
But as well as his contributions defensively, Luiz showed why he could be one of the key men for Mikel Arteta’s side with his work in possession.
The Brazilian had an incredible 102 touches of the ball, a whole 20 more than the man in second, Ainsley Maitland-Niles. And instead of ‘stat-padding’ and playing it sideways, he always looked to be progressive, trying to start attacks.
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He attempted 22 long balls in the match, with 15 of them successful, as Luiz often looked to switch the play or chip it over to Sead Kolasinac on the left-hand side. He made 73 accurate passes at a rate of 82%, and played arguably the defining ball in the Gunners’ only goal of the game.
The 32-year-old fired the ball into Mesut Ozil’s feet, who combined well with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for the latter to finish off.
Though the 10-man Gunners couldn’t hang on, it wasn’t for a lack of sheer defensive will and effort from Luiz. He led from the back and played a key role in the north London side’s attack too.
It was a performance Arteta will no doubt be expecting week-in and week-out from now on, and a sign that he could be a vital piece of the jigsaw under the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta must continue Unai Emery’s only lasting legacy at the Emirates.
