What Man City’s Erling Haaland did after Diego Carlos battle sums up Unai Emery’s Aston Villa
Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Diego Carlos shines in win over Man City after winning Erling Haaland battle
Diego Carlos must feel like his Aston Villa career is finally getting started nearly 18 months after joining the club from Sevilla.
The centre-back has been forced to wait patiently for opportunities to impress and he certainly took his chance in the club’s memorable 1-0 win over Man City on Wednesday night. Keeping a lid on Erling Haaland is simply the hardest task for any defender in world football, but Carlos – with the help of centre-back partner Pau Torres – limited the Norwegian to two chances in the match, both of which came in succession in the 11th 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.
For the rest of the match, Haaland was in Carlos’ shadow, unable to get into the match, link with teammates or find a chance to get City in front or level after Leon Bailey’s opener. Haaland’s two efforts were all that City conjured up in 90 minutes.
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 have all each made more appearances for the club over the past four months than Carlos has since he joined the club in the summer of 2022. He snapped his Achilles tendon in the opening weeks of last season and went through the most challenging period of his career.
Now, the 30-year-old is looking forward to using his experience and leadership qualities as Villa look to maintain what has been a sensational start to the season.
“Villa Park is special for me, for the team, for everyone,” Carlos said after Emery’s side matched a club record of 14 home league wins in a row. “The team is happy with the fans. Every game we win 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.
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