Arsenal: Fans baffled by Unai Emery’s use of Lucas Torreira after man of the match display

Arsenal fans were lauding Lucas Torreira amid criticism for former head coach Unai Emery for the way he used the Uruguayan midfielder.

The 24-year-old played a peripheral role under the Basque-born manager as he started just five of 13 Premier League games under him (via Transfermarkt).

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That is in stark contrast to his consistent appearances under new head coach Mikel Arteta, with Torreira having started each of the three games under the former Manchester City man.

Yesterday could well go down as Torreira’s best performance of the season as he was voted the club’s man of the match (via Arsenal).

He made two tackles, two interceptions, four clearances and completed 40 passes in a brilliant midfield performance (via WhoScored).

Fans were full of praise for Torreira as they also took to Twitter to hit out at Emery for his use of the diminutive midfielder this campaign.

Here is a selection of tweets from the north London faithful:

Torreira playing in defensive midfielder role and he has been balling for us. Don’t understand why Emery and Freddie didn’t play him there. pic.twitter.com/v3uBsiBptz

— P™ (@SemperFiArsenal) January 1, 2020

This season, Unai Emery genuinely made me forget just how good Lucas Torreira is. What a display from him tonight.

— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) January 1, 2020

Fulltime: Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd.
– Very important 3points to help build confidence.
– Best first Half performance in years.
– Torreira Man is the man.
– Arsenal without Ozil is like Bread without Beans.
– Lacazette needs bench.
– Arteta brings Hope.
– Unai Emery is a fraud.

— Laba Laba Master🦋🦋 (@Buchi_Laba) January 1, 2020

What was Emery doing with Torreira? He’s literally like a new signing playing in his right position #ARSMUN

— Paul McG AFC ☘️© (@Afcpmg) January 1, 2020

Ozil, Xhaka & Torreira all felt unloved at the club & unwanted under Emery. Within 3 games Arteta has got them back to the quality players they are. By loving them and giving them confidence. This is they type of man management that gets the best out of players.

— ⱮӠⱮɀ (@M3mzAFC) January 2, 2020