Arsenal 1-2 Eintracht Frankfurt: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Europa League 2019/20

#4 Unai Emery’s David Luiz experiment leaves a lot to be desired

David Luiz (L) started in midfield

Back in May 2018, when Arsenal appointed Unai Emery, Gooners rejoiced at the sight of a manager capable of mixing pragmatism with purism. And, though that narrative hasn’t particularly panned out as envisioned, the Spaniard has, throughout his tenure, showcased a willingness to shake things up rather regularly.

On Thursday though, he took even the staunchest of supporters aback when he fielded David Luiz alongside Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park. The move seemed to highlight the indecisiveness engulfing Emery’s thinking, especially considering the Brazilian’s lack of experience in that position and the fact that he had enough options elsewhere.

The former Chelsea defender started off tentatively and never settled into his new role. He seemed a touch too lackadaisical, meaning that he took an extra touch often or was just a little reckless with his passing.

While his endeavours weren’t aided by the rib injury he picked up mid-way through the opening 45 minutes, he still looked a fish out of water and an experiment Emery would do well to not indulge in, at least for the foreseeable future.

Throughout his stint as Arsenal boss, the Spaniard has lived up to his reputation of being a tactical chameleon, with him pulling out numerous tactical rabbits out of his hat. Yet, he might not want to look back too fondly at this particular unfurling.

However, one must accord credit to Emery for sticking to his ideals. After all, he has so far lived by his tactical sword, even if that might mean that he ultimately has to die by it.