David Luiz Chelsea 2018

Chelsea matchwinner David Luiz happy to accept criticism

Chelsea's David Luiz says he accepts criticism of his performances, conceding it is simply part of the job of being a Premier League defender.

The Brazil international's role in the side had been brought into question by some during Chelsea's defeat to Tottenham last month and again during the loss at Wolves on Wednesday.

However, David Luiz responded with a commanding display and goal in Chelsea's 2-0 victory against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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And he refused to snap back at his critics despite having the perfect opportunity to do so, instead choosing to accept that defenders will always be among the first to have their role in the side questioned when results don't go their way.

"I know what it means to play for a big club,"  he told  Chelsea's official website.  "Big clubs it's like that: if you win, everything is good. If you lose, it's your fault, especially defenders and goalkeepers.

"Strikers never lose games... we have to be honest and say that.

"We have to accept that in the right way, in an intelligent way. It was good to play against a fantastic team, keep the clean sheet and have a great game."

Speaking about the game as a whole, the former Benfica centre-back admitted the team knew they would have to endure periods of intense pressure against Pep Guardiola's slick City outfit.

The champions dominated the early stages of the game but were caught on the counterattack seconds before half-time when N'Golo Kante scored with Chelsea's first shot on target.

City had the majority of the possession in the second half too, but couldn't find away past Kepa in the Chelsea goal before David Luiz's header sealed the win with 12 minutes left.

"It's never easy to play against City," the 31-year-old added.

"They are synchronised, they have three years together, so they know what they have to do.When you press high and if you're able to come out of this pressure, after you have a lot of space to enjoy.

"It was a team with humility, but also a team with the right planning.

"It was a bad result against Wolves. We're happy because we did great against the best team in the league. I think it can give us a lot of confidence."

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