Arsenal: David Luiz ‘shouldn’t be at club’ says pundit
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to David Luiz, reports say. The Brazil international suffered when he faced Manchester City last season. But he could get the nod when the two teams face off on Saturday night.
Arsenal lost 3-0 when they faced Manchester City last season.
And Luiz endured a horrific afternoon at the office, conceding a penalty, making a mistake and receiving a red card for a foul on Riyad Mahrez.
In the aftermath, the Brazil international was widely criticised. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was particularly brutal, saying: “Listen, I’m not going to tear into him. It’s all been said before.
“I actually feel a bit sad because it’s probably the last time we’re going to see David Luiz in the Premier League. His contract is up; I said before the game I don’t think there’s any way Arsenal will renew it.
“He now faces a ban; that’ll only leave [Arsenal] a handful of games. Arteta didn’t pick him tonight [from the start], I doubt he will do again.
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“I don't think there's any future for David Luiz at Arsenal next season, that probably just puts pay to that. The people at the top of the club are deciding that he shouldn't get that year extension, and they're right. If Mikel Arteta thinks he should get that year, then I think he's wrong.
"I'd be worried if I was an Arsenal fan if Arteta thought David Luiz should get another year at Arsenal. I'd be worried."
Since then, however, Luiz has been reborn.
The Arsenal star bounced back from his City horror show to shine against Pep Guardiola’s side in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, helping the Gunners make the final.
And Goal say that, when it comes to the former Chelsea star, Arteta believes the positives outweigh the negatives.
He’s said to be accepting of the fact the 33-year-old will make the odd mistake.
But he feels Luiz is worth persevering with, hence why he was so determined for the ex-PSG and Benfica defender to sign a new contract earlier in the season.
He’s now expected to get the nod for the visit to City on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, speaking ahead of the match, Dion Dublin apologised to Luiz and hailed him for turning his Arsenal career around.
He said: "Having given David Luiz so much stick over the years, I was at Wembley for the final and I was pitchside.
"I was listening to David Luiz talk non-stop throughout the game.
"You’re thinking ‘he’s a character’. ‘He’s a leader’.
"He’s [Arteta] got another one now in Partey. He’s got another one upfront in Aubameyang. Maybe he’s building something where other players can work off."
Dublin vowed to be nicer, adding: "I am yes. I am going to try. I promise you I am going to try.
"I promise I will try to be nice to you. I’m sorry.”
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