What Man City’s Erling Haaland did after Diego Carlos battle sums up Unai Emery’s Aston Villa

Aston Villa news from Birmingham Live as Diego Carlos shines in win over Man City after winning Erling Haaland battle

Diego Carlos, who joined Aston Villa from Sevilla almost eighteen months ago, must feel as though his career is finally beginning.

The center back has had to wait patiently for chances to shine, but on Wednesday night, in the team’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Man City, he made the most of it.

The hardest job for any defender in international football is to contain Erling Haaland, but Carlos, with the assistance of center-back partner Pau Torres, kept the Norwegian to only two opportunities during the game, which came one after the other in the eleventh minute.

Haaland has only been flagged offside nine times in 49 appearances for City, so he would have fancied himself to get in behind Villa’s backline more than on one occasion. But he didn’t get his way, as Emi Martinez denied him with a brilliant double save and that was his lot.

Haaland played in Carlos’ shadow for the remainder of the game, failing to connect with teammates, enter the game, or create an opportunity to tie or win City’s lead following Leon Bailey’s opening goal. In ninety minutes, Haaland’s two tries were all that City could muster.

After full-time, Haaland made his way

After full-time, Haaland made his way over to the away fans, held up his hand up and appeared to gesture that City were simply second best across the park. His lack of influence in the game was down to Villa’s game plan and performance rather than the striker having an off day – they very rarely happen.

Don’t forget Julian Alvarez is also enjoying an excellent campaign, while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were also outrun and outfought by Villa’s defenders. Konsa and Torres were typically outstanding as Lucas Digne continues to impress, but Carlos deserves a special mention after making only his eighth Premier League start in claret and blue.

Villa’s summer signings Torres, Moussa Diaby and Youri Tielemans

Villa’s new summer additions During the last four months, Torres, Moussa Diaby, and Youri Tielemans have all played for the team more times than Carlos has since he signed in the summer of 2022. He experienced the most difficult time of his career after fracturing his Achilles tendon in the first few weeks of the previous campaign.

The 30-year-old is now eager to put his leadership skills and experience to use as Villa looks to build on its incredible season opening run.

Carlos remarked, “Villa Park is special for me, the team, and everyone,” following Emery’s team’s match of a club record with 14 straight home league victories. “The fans are thrilled, and the squad is too. Every match that we triumph in is for them

“Our family and friends are also coming here. I like the atmosphere. It helps us every game. We always play to win. We don’t play to draw, or lose. But we know the other teams are good teams.”

He added: “From the first day Unai came here he has improved the team and the players. Now, we are in a good position in the table but the season is not finished. There are lots of games still to play. For me, personally, it is about continuing our work every day. That is important to playing well.”

Pep Guardiola claimed Villa are title contenders after they condemned City to their third defeat of the league season.

Asked about the City boss’ comments, Carlos was unwilling to indulge in the thought of competing for the league

“That is very, very difficult. Every game is tough, there are very good teams. We face the same things other teams do at Villa Park when we go away. The aim is to improve every game. Wednesday was a good challenge for us and to win, we are very happy. But the next game will be the same, very difficult. We will try to put in the same performance as we did against City.

“It’s very important to stay humble and grounded. This for me is most important. For me, every game and every day I do that. You have to stay humble, respect the team you play against.

“The performance was very, very good. There is confidence in every game and as players, we aren’t scared. The gaffer wants every player to have confidence with the ball and their position. We want to win every game but the Premier League has very good teams.

Villa have the chance to set a new club record of 15 consecutive home league wins when Arsenal head to the second city on Saturday. Speaking of the clash, Carlos said: “We have confidence every game. Not just because we won today. Every player has confidence that we can improve on each game.

“I know the challenge against Arsenal. Wednesday was celebration, Thursday is about recovery and on Friday, we get to work focusing on Arsenal.”

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