Has Pablo Mari joining Arsenal lit a fire beneath David Luiz?

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David Luiz produced another strong performance for Arsenal, this time against Olympiakos in the Europa League.

The Brazilian defender was solid at the back alongside Shkodran Mustafi and helped shut out the Gunners’ Greek opposition, with Alexandre Lacazette grabbing the all-important away goal.

It’s now three clean sheets in a row for Arsenal, who were able to keep Newcastle United at bay in the Premier League last weekend and Burnley the weekend before that.

Luiz was particularly solid against the Magpies as well, and he appears to have recalibrated and refocused in recent weeks after a shaky start to life at the Emirates.

Perhaps it can be attributed to the new manager, but it could also be that Arsenal’s January business may have lit a fresh fire beneath the former Chelsea man.

The Gunners sealed a loan deal for Pablo Mari from Flamengo and although he is yet to play, the mere idea Arsenal went out and reinforced may have done the trick with Luiz.

TBR’s view – Luiz form can be key for Arsenal

People talk about the importance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front, but if Arsenal are to make an unlikely push for the top four, then the form of Luiz could be crucial.

For the most part this season, Arsenal have lacked organisation at the back and conceding goals has been far too easy.

Now £125,000-a-week star Luiz (Spotrac) may have some competition for his place, it would seem the South American has raised his game.

If he can maintain this purple patch, then Arsenal could well finish the season strongly and potentially challenge for a place in Europe.