Aston Villa star gets last laugh after damning Arsenal blast is spot on

10 December 2023 , 15:31

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Aston Villa star gets last laugh after damning Arsenal blast is spot on

Aston Villa centre back Diego Carlos backed up his brave words about Arsenal in midweek as his side completed a memorable four days at Villa Park.

Wednesday's 1-0 win over champions Manchester City was backed up by victory over the Gunners by the same scoreline on Saturday night, a result that represented their 15th straight Premier League home win. And it leaves Villa in third, just two points off leaders Liverpool with Unai Emery's side now perceived as genuine title contenders.

The Brazilian played a vital part in his side keeping a clean sheet, albeit after Kai Havertz had an injury-time equaliser ruled out for handball. And a sign of the confidence within Emery's squad came in the build-up to the clash, with Carlos adamant Villa didn't fear their rivals.

“That performance against Manchester City was very, very good," he told reporters. "There’s confidence in us and, as players, we aren’t scared. The gaffer wants every player to have confidence with the ball and their position.

“We are a good team. From the first day he arrived, Unai improved both the team and us players. Now, we’re in a good position in the table, but our season is not finished. There are still a lot of games to play.

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“It’s important to stay grounded and humble. For me, this is most important. We respect every team we play against - but we aren’t scared of them.”

Diego Carlos blocks the shot of Gabriel Jesus at Villa Park (Getty Images)

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Indeed, Villa appeared anything but intimidated by Mikel Arteta's side. And the defining moment came just seven minutes in when Leon Bailey sped down the right-hand side before cutting the ball back for John McGinn to score.

And for Carlos, 30, this campaign represents something of a resurgence at the club after his 2022/23 season was wrecked by injury. After signing from Sevilla for £26million, a ruptured achilles tendon confined him to just three league appearances.

But he's played 12 times in all competitions for Villa this time around, although was also central to some controversy on Saturday. He escaped a possible red card after appearing to elbow Eddie Nketiah, instead shown yellow.

Fraser Watson