Arsenal legend Martin Keown has wrote in the Mail answering questions from football fans, and when asked about his immediate thoughts about David Luiz’s Chelsea return, he pinpointed the Brazilian defender as Antonio Conte’s main reason why the Blues are on top of the league at the moment.
After their 3-0 defeat to the Gunners exactly two months ago, Chelsea have gone six consecutive Premier League games without a defeat – or even a conceded goal, and are now leading the table with 28 points in the bag.
Keown says the re-arrival of Luiz has given Conte the opportunity to start playing with three defenders at the back in the new 3-4-3 formation, which was still just a dream before he signed from PSG.
It has been very successful. You’d have to say his return has been linked to their success.
Antonio Conte has been able to play three at the back because of Luiz. Given the centre halves who were available, it was a good bit of business. Conte will have had one eye on the bigger picture, knowing it could let him play his preferred system.
– Martin Keown, Mail
