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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Unai Emery lauds 'positive' David Luiz after scoring Arsenal winner

Unai Emery has hailed David Luiz after the Brazilian scored his first goal for Arsenal in their win over Bournemouth.

Luiz, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea in an £8million deal over the summer, headed past Aaron Ramsdale for the only goal of the game inside ten minutes before going on to keep his first clean sheet since joining the club.

The 31-year-old has endured a tough start to life at the club, with high profile mistakes punctuating his early weeks with Arsenal.

He has, however, been a key figure within the squad and Emery has praised him for his influence.

"He’s very positive," Emery said. "Every time he’s speaking about positive things and helping young players. He came late into the squad but really, his commitment is very high with us, and his behaviour is too. Everybody is happy with that."

Having kept a first League clean sheet since the opening day at Newcastle, Emery will have further defensive options to call on after the international break, with Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney all working back to full fitness.

"Kieran and Rob are closer to playing," Emery said. "I think Rob Holding can play 90 minutes with a good performance. Now we are also working with David Luiz and Sokratis, but really, I am very happy. He is going to have a chance to play a lot of matches.

"Kieran Tierney is closer to us, he played on Thursday and today he was on the bench if we needed him. Hector Bellerin needs a little more time, more matches and more training.

"This international break is going to be important for him. I think he will be closer to starting for us in the next matches in the Premier League."

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