Aston Villa: Danny Gabbidon reacts to ‘outrageous’ Diego Carlos moment v Arsenal live on BBC
Aston Villa stunned Arsenal 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (14 April) thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.
The Villans dented the title hopes of Unai Emery’s former side and bolstered their own aspirations of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.
A number of players stepped up in North London, none more so than centre-back Diego Carlos, whose performance blew away Danny Gabbidon.
Diego Carlos stars in Aston Villa win at Arsenal
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [14 April, 6:23pm], Gabbidon said: “Diego Carlos has been magnificent for Aston Villa – a brilliant defensive display.
“He has been in the right place at the right time, so often. It’s outrageous, it really is. He was outstanding marshalling that back-line.”
Carlos registered three clearances, one interception and two tackles against Arsenal, while also blocking one shot [WhoScored].
His 91.2-per-cent pass-accuracy return, meanwhile, was bettered only – just – by defensive partner Ezri Konsa (91.4 per cent).
That is a slight increase on his average of 88.4 per cent across his 22 Premier League appearances in total this season.
Diego Carlos replicating Sevilla form
The Brazilian was a rock at the back and assured on the ball, further highlighted by his 57 passes, which only Pau Torres (77) could better.
Indeed, across the course of the campaign, Carlos’ 1.8 tackles per 90 game is bettered only by Boubacar Kamara (2.2) among Villa players.
The 65.9 passes Carlos is attempting per game in the Premier League this season is a fair way up on the 61.7 he registered last season.
As per FBref, his 74.8 touches per game is now in line with what he was recording at Sevilla when building a reputation for his ability on the ball.
It goes to show that Emery has managed to get the best out of the 31-year-old, who produced one of his best displays yet against Arsenal.
In other Aston Villa news, Don Goodman has shared his verdict on whether Jaden Philogene should return to Villa Park.
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