Lambasted Luiz opts for the high road after laying low City slickers
CHELSEA’S David Luiz accepts criticism is part of a defender’s job and declined the opportunity to answer his detractors after his man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s victory over Manchester City.
Goals from N’Golo Kante and Luiz saw Chelsea inflict City’s first loss of the season, as the Blues absorbed the visitors’ pressure and pounced to claim a triumph many did not expect.
Luiz’s performance in the loss to Tottenham was scrutinised, but the Brazil defender insisted it did not affect him.
The 31-year-old said: “I know what it means to play for a big club.
“[At] big clubs it’s like that: if you win, everything is good. If you lose, it’s your fault, especially defenders and goalkeepers.
“Strikers never lose games... we have to be honest and say that. We have to accept that in the right way, in an intelligent way.
“It was good to play against a fantastic team, keep the clean sheet and have a great game.”
The Blues’ success was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse by home supporters towards City forward Raheem Sterling. Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the matter.
Chelsea had lost to Spurs and Wolves, either side of victory over Fulham, before ending City’s 21-match unbeaten sequence in the league.
The result was due to the preparation of Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, Luiz said.
“It’s never easy to play against City,” Luiz added.
“They are synchronised, they have three years together, so they know what they have to do.
“When you press high and if you’re able to come out of this pressure, after you have a lot of space to enjoy.
“It was a team with humility, but also a team with the right planning.
“It was a bad result against Wolves. We’re happy because we did great against the best team in the league.”
Sarri says he has been happy with Luiz since his arrival.
The Blues boss added: “There are matches in which it’s really very difficult to stay in the defensive line.
“[Against City] he played a great match, but all the team helped him play really well.”