Chaotic David Luiz costs Arsenal again

It was a night he won’t forget anytime soon after his horrible and disappointing performance.

David Luiz has been the subject on the Arsenal fans’ lips for some time.

His poor display against Brentford in a friendly last week was a massive blow for the team.

Many fans where left unimpressed by his disgruntled and displeasing display. He made costly mistakes that lead to the team losing.

Although being the first game in over two months, it was same old Luiz: unreliable, complacent and scruffy.

It was not a welcoming return to the Etihad for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta following his exit as assistant manager in the club in 2019.

Coming into the game, Arsenal, having maintained a five-match winning streak faced a stellar Manchester City side who lost their last game in the league to neighbours, Manchester United.

Arsenal started strongly, defending aggressively and keeping tabs on all Manchester City threats. They looked like a team ready to challenge the opposition at all times with swift breakaways and counter attacks.

Manchester City although the better side found things difficult in the early stages of the game but soon settled in. City created really good chances but Bernd Leno kept the score unchanged.

Phil Foden is a rising star at Manchester City. (Photo by Tim Markland/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The night began to get sour for the North London team after Granit Xhaka was taken off early in the game. David Luiz was shortly introduced following January signing Pablo Mari’s injury in the 24th minute.

A game heading towards a goalless first half was marred by an error from David Luiz. He mis-timed a pass from Kevin De Bruyne and had poor control of the ball which ricocheted off his body.

The ball fell for Raheem Sterling, who shot past Leno, who had little or no chance of stopping it.

Luiz’s nightmare continued in the second half as things went from bad to worse for the Brazilian. He conceded a cheap and unprofessional foul on Riyad Mahrez after pulling him down in the penalty area and was sent off afterwards.

The penalty was converted by De Bruyne in the 49th minute of the game. It left Arsenal with a red face while they saw out the rest of the game with ten men.

Luiz’s consistent error has been a great tragedy for the Gunners. The team boss demonstrated his support for the Brazilian last week, urging him to agree an extension and remain in the club. But with his recent performances, the chances of a new deal is slim.

Arsenal, who have suffered from defensive troubles in recent years, opted to bring in Luiz to strengthen the team and bring balance to the crisis in the defence area.

With the experience he possesses, David Luiz hasn’t met the demands of the club. His poor and jumbled performances for the team has cost them a whole lot this season.

In the post-match interview he admitted costing the team the game against Manchester City, claiming sole responsibility for the result.

Prior to the Manchester City game, he has conceded three penalties and a red card. With his best years far behind him, David Luiz has declined in his performances.

There is no swagger to his defending, inaccurate long balls over the top, inability to compose himself and he gives away lot of fouls.

What could be the reason for David Luiz’s shambolic displays? The contract extension? Or is he wanting a new challenge away from England?

Nevertheless, he has been a good character in the Arsenal dressing room, which is noteworthy – but he needs to up his game for the team.

A bit more of the Luiz we know from his time at Chelsea would probably make a difference.