Paul Merson tips Arsenal to make one key change after David Luiz signing
Arsenal legend Paul Merson is backing Unai Emery to switch to a back three after David Luiz's arrival
Paul Merson believes that Arsenal manager Unai Emery will switch to a back three following the signing of David Luiz.
The Gunners signed the experienced Brazil international in an £8m deal from Chelsea FC on transfer deadline day last week.
Luiz’s arrival will bolster the Arsenal defence following the departure of experienced French centre-half Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal snapped up highly-rated Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney in a £25m deal from the Scottish Premier League champions.
The Scotland international is capable of playing at left wing-back in the Arsenal team.
The Brazilian centre-half was accustomed to playing as part of a back three during his second stint at Chelsea FC – and Luiz was part of the Blues team that won the 2016-17 Premier League title in a back three under Antonio Conte.
Arsenal started the new Premier League season using a back four as Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s goal sealed a 1-0 victory at Newcastle United.
Former Arsenal midfielder Merson is backing Arsenal boss Emery to revert to a back three in the coming weeks.
“When you’re looking at them and you’re naming them players, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started going to a three at the back,” Merson told Sky Sports, as quoted by the Daily Express.
“Play them two and David Luiz in the middle of them.
“He can come out and play, you’ve got Tierney playing as one wing-back. I think it suits all of the defenders.
“If you have three centre-halves playing there it gives all of them something to fall back on.
“If Tierney can get forward he can play, so he’ll want to get forward.”
Arsenal finished in fifth spot in the Premier League table last season to miss out on a place in the Champions League.
The Gunners lost 4-1 to Luiz and his Chelsea FC team-mates in the Europa League final last term.
