Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne reacted as his side were well-beaten on Wednesday night against Chelsea, ending their FA Cup journey in the fourth-round on a disappointing evening at Villa Park.
It was certainly a night to forget for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, who conducted themselves in a way far from the levels seen at Sheffield United during Saturday’s 5-0 victory.
Chelsea left Birmingham with a 3-1 victory and a spot in the next round of the FA Cup thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson and a tantalising free kick courtesy of Enzo Fernandez.
From losing the crucial battle in midfield to defensive errors, Villa looked way below par, subsequently sealing their fate in the tournament in just the fourth-round.
It wasn’t all bad for the hosts, who did manage to score on the night through a tidy finish from Moussa Diaby, although the Frenchman’s goal was merely a consolation in the 91st minute.
What Lucas Digne did after Moussa Diaby’s goal against Chelsea
After arriving at Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen for £51.9m in the summer, Diaby made quite the impact by scoring on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United.
Like his goal on that memorable day in August, the 24-year-old’s brilliance last night came as a consolation but highlighted what he can bring to Emery’s side when in form.
Taking to Instagram during the game, Villa defender Lucas Digne showed full support for his teammate’s contribution, posting a photo taken from his TV as he recovers from injury.
Digne has been out of action since Boxing Day after sustaining a hamstring injury against Manchester United, a blow that he is said to be “progressing very well” with by Emery.
Following his admiration post for Diaby, the left-back posted a video of him in a swimming pool with the caption “reload”, adding to suspicions that he will soon return from his time on the sidelines.
As for Diaby, the winger’s goal will give him the confidence he needs to continue to challenge for a spot in the manager’s favoured XI once more, after being omitted from the squad at times over the months due to a dip in performance.
The former Leverkusen whiz has just two goal contributions in his previous 10 Premier League appearances, contrasting to his form displayed in his opening 10 league appearances for Villa, in which he recorded eight.
With the support of his teammates around him and the fans, it’s hoped that the 24-year-old can rediscover his electrifying nature in the final third to reclaim his position in the XI.
