What do Phil Jagielka and Billy Ray Cyrus have in common?

On Friday, Lil Nas X released a surprise remix of “Old Town Road” with guest performer Billy Ray Cyrus, causing many to hail the “unlikely collaboration” as a shocking success.

On Sunday, Phil Jagielka became the “unlikely” hero of the weekend, helping Everton to a shocking defeat over fourth place Arsenal.

The similarities are striking:

Many had counted 57 year old Billy Ray Cyrus out of the music scene, his biggest hit having been “Achy Breaky Heart” back in 1992.

Thirty-six year old Jagielka experienced an “Achy Breaky Heart” back in the beginning of the season when he was given what many saw as an overly harsh red card in the match against the Wolves.

Lil Nas X was given an overly harsh red card of sorts from Billboard when they kicked him off of the Top 100 country charts for not being country enough.

With an in-form Michael Keane at center back, Jags didn’t see playing time again until February and was supposed to be a substitute in Sunday’s game against Arsenal. When Keane fell ill, Jagielka received a surprise start.

The remixed version of “Old Town Road,” with added vocals from Billy Ray Cyrus was a surprise release on Friday.

Phil Jagielka not only set up his own goal off of Lucas Digne’s throw in but he finished it with a calm pass into the net. And despite pre-match commentators worrying about his age and pace, he kept a clean sheet. Everton won the game 1-0 and Jags set a record for becoming the oldest goalscorer for the Premier League this season.

“Old Town Road - Remix” went viral and is currently the number one song on iTunes.

After Jags’ goal, he kept a cool head and stood before the Everton supporters, perhaps with the following “Old Town Road” lyrics in mind:

“Got no stress, I’ve been through all that

I’m like a Marlboro Man so I kick on back”

After the match, manager Marco Silva raved about the center back, saying:

“Jags is a very good professional. He is important out or inside the pitch.”

Phil’s contract may be up in a few months, but he’s going to “ride ‘til he can’t no more” and you really “can’t tell him nothin.”

The last few days have proven that you’re never too old to add a sick verse to a rap/country song and you’re never too old to beat Arsenal.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images