‘Much better’: Rio Ferdinand really enjoyed watching one Arsenal player last night

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David Luiz was a rock at the back for Arsenal on Saturday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side got the better of Manchester City 2-0 in the FA Cup.

The former Chelsea central defender was superb defensively, as the Brazil international kept the City attackers at bay to play an important role in the Gunners’ 2-0 win in the FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley Stadium in London.

The 33-year-old, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, did not allow Gabriel Jesus much space, and there were occasions when it looked like he was defending for his life.

Against Pep Guardiola’s City on Saturday evening, Luiz played one key pass, had a pass accuracy of 69%, won four headers, took 48 touches, and made one tackle, four interceptions and 11 clearances, according to WhoScored.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was following the match, and he was very impressed with the display produced by the former Paris Saint-Germain central defender, who was arguably the best player on the pitch.

Arsenal head coach Arteta has praised Luiz as well, and so has ex-Gunners striker Robin van Persie.

Goal.com quotes Ferdinand as saying about Luiz: “He was the standout performer. Every cross that came into the box, he was the man on the end of it most of the time, heading and putting his body on the line.

“Defensively he didn’t put a foot wrong. When he plays in a three at the back – he did it under [Antonio] Conte as well at Chelsea – he looks a much better player.

“You get the security of numbers in terms of having two other defenders immediately alongside you as a centre-back, and it decreases the space between you. So it is easier for him but you can’t take anything away from him: he was fantastic today.”

Van Persie said, as quoted in Goal.com: “Tonight he put his body in front of the balls he was blocking. I think he headed away maybe 25 balls tonight. He was absolutely fantastic.”

Arteta told Arsenal’s official website: “David doesn’t need a lot of management. What he needs is that we trust him and we don’t doubt what he can do.

“The best way to do that is to make him play. He can say that throughout his career he has had some difficult moments and some incredible moments, but big athletes go through those moments and I’m happy that he’s at the level he’s playing now.”