Man City boss Guardiola underestimated one Arsenal player in FA Cup semi-final, says pundit

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been accused of underestimating Arsenal defender David Luiz in the recent FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Arsenal ran out surprise 2-0 winners to book a place in this season’s final with Chelsea, and Luiz played a particularly important role in the victory with a superb performance.

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Just a few weeks earlier, the Brazilian had a torrid time in the Premier League clash against City, committing a dreadful error on their opening goal and later conceding a penalty and getting himself sent off at the Etihad Stadium.

On this occasion, however, Luiz was one of Arsenal’s most important players as they earned a big win, and pundit Garth Crooks has praised the way he played.

Writing in his column on BBC Sport, Crooks awarded the 33-year-old a place in his team of the week, and suggested City boss Guardiola perhaps underestimated just how solid a defender he can be on his day.

“It has been a long time since I’ve watched a match and been so interested in the tactics,” Crooks said.

“I was as fascinated by managers Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola on the touchline as I was the players on the pitch in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Manchester City.

“However, it was David Luiz whose performance eventually captured everyone’s imagination.

“Most of us know how good Luiz can be which is why he can be so infuriating with some of his decision-making.

“Nevertheless it soon became apparent that Arteta was prepared to bolt the entire Arsenal defence around the Brazilian against City and it worked.

“On the day, Guardiola underestimated Arteta and Luiz – and so did I.”

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