Chelsea: David Luiz showed proper class towards Arsenal supporters

David Luiz does not provide us with many opportunities to praise or compliment him, but credit where it’s due. He showed a touch of class towards the visiting fans as his teammates celebrated Chelsea’s opening goal.

David Luiz and Thibaut Courtois have a lot in common, which is really not a good thing around these parts. We were several years ahead of the rest on calling for Chelsea to return Courtois from whence he came, or at least within the same city limits. We also were among the few who did not celebrate David Luiz’s return on deadline day 2016, and spent the 2016/17 season pointing out how vulnerable he made Chelsea’s defence, particularly down the stretch. Once Tottenham figured out how to split the centre-backs along the paper-thin line of Luiz’s attention, Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 was never the same.

But both players also have their moments of class, those quiet gestures that may not make up for their statements to the media (Courtois) or in social media (Luiz), but that make you tip your hat nonetheless. Courtois always went over to applaud Chelsea’s travelling support, even after a difficult loss. More often than not, some young fan went home with Courtois’ shirt.

David Luiz had a similar moment against Arsenal. After scoring the opening goal, Pedro sprinted to playmaker Marcos Alonso near the left corner flag and jumped into his arms as the rest of the team made their way over.

Luiz was one of the last Blues to arrive. But rather than join in, he gestured for the lads to take their celebrations back over midfield. He pointed to the reason: they were standing in front of Arsenal’s supporters in the away section of Stamford Bridge. He even grabbed onto Cesar Azpilicueta’s and Willian’s shoulders to pull them apart from the group and bring the pack away from the Gunners’ faithful.

It was a small gesture, much less noticeable than players declining to celebrate when they score against a former club. I only noticed it after my third or fourth watching of the highlights while preparing for my previous article (which you should also read, link below).

There’s no rule and barely even a custom about celebrating in front of the travelling support. In a Premier League stadium players are certainly in minimal danger of a projectile. Despite the rivalry between these two sides, this game was relatively mild, being matchweek two and all. And the goal was in the 7′ – hardly a time for excessive boasting.

These Chelsea players are hardly the type to taunt Arsenal fans or rub it in. I mean, we’re talking about Marcos Alonso, Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta, not Jose Mourinho, for Pete’s sake. But still, there was David Luiz, going above and beyond with quiet professionalism and respect for the opponent’s support.

There aren’t many times when we want young footballers – either at Chelsea or on pitches around the world – to learn from David Luiz and follow his example. But this is one of those times.