David Luiz vindicates Chelsea's faith in him

London, Mar. 2 (ANI): In recruiting Brazilian striker David Luiz, Chelsea has certainly found a successor to Ricardo Carvalho, the man who made John Terry tick.

Like Carvalho, David Luiz Moreira Marinho is a contradiction as a footballer.

Teak-tough and uncompromising in the tackle, he also has the lightest and most skilful of touches.

As he showed in his balance and finish when be brought Chelsea back from the dead with his 54th-minute equalizer against Manchester United on Tuesday.

He is also considerably quicker than Carvalho.

Luiz will not forget his first Premier League encounter with Manchester United in a hurry, reports The Sun.

Taken to the cleaners early on by a vibrant Nani, Luiz's embarrassment increased when he took one first-half shot full in the knackers.

At this point, Chelsea was being given the runaround by a United side that came out of the blocks fast - and got even quicker.

All Chelsea's problems at the back were encapsulated in the goal which saw United take a 29th-minute lead.

Rooney picked up a short pass from Nani - and every Chelsea player in the vicinity held off.

The United striker's shot arrowed past the late-diving Petr Cech and United were not so much in the driving seat as heading over the horizon.

At this point, you would have been a brave man to put anything on Chelsea getting back into it.

Not even with a home record against United that had seen them unbeaten in eight - five wins and three draws - since early 2002.

But the oldest maxim in football is that goals change matches. And Luiz's equaliser certainly did that.

What a class act it was - Ivanovic heading on Michael Essien's cross and Luiz hammering home a first-time effort with his right foot between Ed Van der Sar and his near post.

Suddenly the whole complexion of the game changed.

Suddenly renewed energy and confidence surged through a Chelsea side who had seemed to be heading for their third home defeat of the season.

Suddenly they were chasing down every ball, Torres even getting back to win a couple of tackles in his own box.

And, suddenly, Luiz was handing out some pain and punishment himself.

Luiz, though, needs to be careful. The grapevine is buzzing, referees are getting to know all about him. (ANI)

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