David Luiz took full responsibility after his horror performance in Arsenal’s loss to Man City
Gary Neville has hit out at David Luiz after the Brazilian’s disastrous 25-minute cameo performance at the Etihad Stadium ended with him being sent off.
The Arsenal centre back ? who came on for the injured Pablo Mari after 24 minutes ? was at fault for Raheem Sterling’s opener after failing to deal with a cross from Kevin De Bruyne.
The 33-year-old was then shown a straight red card five minutes into the second half by Anthony Taylor to complete a hapless performance after hauling down Riyad Mahrez in the box, with De Bruyne converting the spot kick to put City two goals to the good.
And asked on commentary what he made of Luiz’s action, Neville said, “Oh dear, I’ve no words really. I’ve said everything. He never learns, he’s so rash.
“City started playing well 25 minutes ago in this game ? when David Luiz came on.”
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was also critical of the Brazil international at half-time for his role in Sterling’s strike in added time at the end of the first half.
Asked if any excuses could be made for Luiz’s poor clearance leading to the goal, he told Sky Sports, “Not really because we have seen it before. Maybe it was a lack of concentration or maybe he thought it was easy to deal with.
“I know De Bruyne does whip a good ball in and it coming off the turf adds a bit of pace too. But it has happened so often it is no surprise why he is on the bench.
“I don’t think there is any future for David Luiz at Arsenal next season and that [the error] probably just puts paid to that as well.”
After the game, Carragher added on Luiz, “I don’t see how Mikel Arteta, after a performance like that, can put him back in [the team] in any circumstances really.”