Aston Villa caused significant damage to Arsenal’s title hopes on Sunday afternoon, with one of Unai Emery’s stars earning high praise for his display against the Gunners.
It was a return to North London for Unai Emery to remember, as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
The Villans leapfrogged Tottenham to reclaim fourth place and to put a dagger in the Gunners’ title hopes, with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealing the direction of the three points.
While the two goalscorers will earn all the praise for their ability to turn the game around in the second half, one of Villa’s stars was praised highly for his display over the 90 minutes at the Emirates.
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At the end of the game, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville selected his man of the match from the victory, not hesitating to crown Diego Carlos as the best on the pitch.
Gary Neville was full of praise for Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos v Arsenal
Taking to commentary on Sky Sports at the Emirates, Neville spoke highly of Carlos’ display both in the first half and at full time.
Before the interval, the eight-time Premier League winner dubbed the Brazilian as “immense” at dealing with Arsenal’s pressure, as the Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes.
“He’s been Villa’s best player in the first half Diego Carlos, he’s been immense.”
As the game went on, Neville’s admiration for the 31-year-old grew, as before the whistle, he named the centre-back as man of the match.
“Diego Carlos, outstanding in that first half. Clean sheet, he’s been outstanding. In the first half, he was a man mountain.”
As per Sofascore, Carlos made three clearances, blocked one shot, made two tackles and completed 91% of his passes in what was a defiant display at the back.
Diego Carlos proved his worth to Unai Emery against Arsenal
After being criticised for his defending against Brentford last week, it was an opportunity for the Brazilian to redeem himself in style at the Emirates, which is just what he did.
With Ezri Konsa playing on the right, the former Sevilla dynamo was relied on in the middle alongside Pau Torres, doing an impressive job at limiting Arsenal’s best efforts to score in what was a critical game for the hosts.
Emery will be impressed with his centre-back after his shaky performance against Brentford last week, proving his worth and ability at the back to play a vital part in Villa’s blockbuster win against the Gunners.
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