Lucas Digne may have every reason to feel disappointed after being omitted from Aston Villa’s starting XI for their clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Unai Emery made just one change to the team that secured a 1-0 win at Goodison Park midweek, replacing Digne with Ian Maatsen in a surprising decision.
Strong Performance Against Everton Overlooked
Digne, 31, was instrumental in helping Aston Villa achieve their first clean sheet in six Premier League matches against Everton. His contributions were not limited to defense; he also displayed versatility and composure across the pitch.
- Defensive Contributions: Digne made three clearances, including two crucial headed efforts, alongside one interception and six ball recoveries, showcasing his defensive acumen [FotMob]. He also dominated ground battles, winning five out of seven duels and maintaining a 100% success rate in aerial challenges.
- Offensive Support: As an attack-minded left-back, Digne registered 71 touches, including one in the opposition box. His passing was effective, completing 31 of 44 attempts with 70% accuracy, including eight passes into the final third. Digne also had a shot blocked and drew three fouls, providing opportunities for set-pieces.
Given these statistics, Digne’s performance against Everton demonstrated his ability to balance defensive solidity with offensive contributions, making his exclusion against Arsenal a surprising move.
Set-Piece Prowess Overlooked?
Facing a team like Arsenal, known for their set-piece threat, Digne’s aerial dominance and defensive reliability could have been crucial. His ability to win key duels, both on the ground and in the air, would have added an extra layer of security against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Maatsen’s Inclusion Sparks Debate
While Ian Maatsen is a promising player with plenty of potential, dropping an experienced and proven performer like Digne, particularly after his standout display, raises questions about Emery’s decision-making. The French international has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform in high-stakes matches, making his absence against one of the Premier League’s top sides even harder to justify.
Did Emery Make the Right Call?
For Digne, the benching may feel unjust, especially given the momentum from his recent performance. Aston Villa fans will be watching closely to see if Emery’s decision to favor Maatsen pays off or whether Digne’s exclusion proves costly.
Ultimately, while Emery may have his reasons for tinkering with the squad, it’s hard not to view this decision as a missed opportunity to capitalize on Digne’s all-around capabilities against a formidable Arsenal team.