Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal: 3 standout performers | FA Cup 2019-20

#1 David Luiz

Is David Luiz Arsenal's best CB?

Arsenal have often been criticized for their inability to defend under pressure. Over the course of this season alone, we’ve seen Arsenal defenders make countless mistakes and cost their teammates points.

Tonight, the veteran David Luiz used all his experience to keep a clean sheet against a very game Portsmouth side. Arsenal may not have been the most skillful or technical side on the day, but they looked to play to their strengths through physical duels and aerial battles.

Luiz organised a makeshift defence to a rare clean sheet despite facing several long balls. The 32-year-old won 6 aerial duels, intercepted 1 pass and made 6 clearances whilst completing 78 passes in a thoroughly impressive performance.

If the Brazilian continues to play with such authority, it won’t matter which CB stands next to him at the back. And if today’s performance is to go by, Mari and Luiz could form a formidable partnership for the rest of the season - maybe even providing the solidity to push Arsenal towards an unlikely top-four finish.