David Luiz tells Arsenal they must ‘think about winning EVERY competition’ as he sets sights on more Europa League glory following perfect start to their campaign
- David Luiz says Arsenal should be ‘getting to the final and winning’ big trophies
- Defender was part of Chelsea squad that beat Arsenal in the final in 2019
- Gunners are on brink of last 32 with 4-1 win over Molde at the Emirates
- Luiz, 33, praised youngsters for showing they ‘deserve’ to play at Arsenal
David Luiz is already targeting Europa League success for Arsenal this season after they moved to the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.
A 4-1 victory over Molde on Thursday means Mikel Arteta’s side will confirm their place in the final 32 if they better Rapid Vienna’s result in the next round of fixtures – which sees Arsenal travel to Norway in three weeks.
Martin Ellingsen’s long-range effort gave the reigning Eliteserien champions a shock lead at the Emirates Stadium before two own goals either side of half-time swung the game back in Arsenal’s favour.
David Luiz said Arsenal is a ‘big club’ that needs to aim to win ‘every competition’ they enter
Defender was in action last night in Arsenal’s 4-1 Europa League win over Norway’s Molde
Nicolas Pepe and Joe Willock struck to complete the comeback and leave Arsenal on nine points from their first three games.
Now Luiz, who was part of the Chelsea side which beat Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final, is keen to experience the same experience in north London.
‘I think when you’re a big club you have to think about winning every competition,’ he said.
‘This competition is no different, we want to do our best and our best is getting to the final and winning.’
Arsenal are currently ninth in the Premier League, sitting three points off the top and just one point from the Champions League places. The club tasted its first major silverware under manager Mikel Arteta last season after winning the FA Cup for the 14th time.
Luiz was part of the Chelsea squad that won the Europa League in 2019 by beating Arsenal 4-1
‘We go step by step, it’s always difficult to play against good teams like today, it was difficult. The teams are very good, good shape, good players.
‘I think you have to be humble and take it step by step, but the ambition always has to be there.’
Arteta made nine alterations to his team for the game against Molde having changed his entire XI for the 3-0 victory over Dundalk a week ago.
While the Spaniard continues the tradition of using the Europa League for blooding youngsters and giving minutes to his fringe players, he insists those who are tasked with delivering results in Europe are deserving of their chance to shine.
Nicolas Pepe scored for Arsenal after Molde took a shock lead and then scored two own goals
Joe Willock capped off a convincing win for Arsenal after heading home in the 88th minute
‘Obviously it’s a competition that we want to win and we want to play the best players in,’ he said.
‘Not just play young players because they are young, I want to play players that deserve to play for this football club because we believe that they have the qualities to perform.
‘To change teams like that with a lot of new faces, to get that chemistry and cohesion in the team is not easy and they all showed tonight how much they want to play and showed us that they are a real possibility for our team.’
