Following Aston Villa’s comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur, goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been singled out for praise due to his performance.
Against Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa were under constant pressure throughout the game as Ange Postecoglu’s side streamed forward.
In spite of a struggling first half, Unai Emery was able to tweak things at halftime in favour of his side to swing the result their way.
Thanks to goals from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins, Villa were able to secure the three points and move into the top four. The win puts the Villans just two points of Arsenal in first and the two meet in the coming weeks.
With the onslaught of Spurs attacks, one man was on top of his game to keep them out.
What has been said about Emi Martinez?
The world’s number one was at his best at Tottenham Hotspur stadium and gave Villa a very solid base to build from.
Although he often didn’t have much to do he still sprung into action when called upon. The Argentine made six saves including some magnificent moments.
The one that will live long in the memory is the double save against Brennan Johnson and Pierre Hojbjerg. The first one was a close-range stop as the Welshman went through, and the second was a top-class diving save into the top corner. A camera save by definition but world-class from Dibu nonetheless.
Discussing the performance of Martinez, John Townley rated him via Birmingham Live. On that, he said: “Dependable when he was called into action. Tottenham made plenty of chances, albeit most were flagged for offside, but Martinez wouldn’t be aware at the time. He came up with some huge stops in the second half. Superhuman.”
Top praise for the Villa keeper but it isn’t over the top whatsoever. Without him, the Villans would be a different outfit and would be sorely missed.
This shows you all you need to know. Martinez was the first over to the adorning Villa faithful as chants of ‘World number one’ rung around Tottenham Hotspur stadium all day.
Dibu is a cult hero at Villa Park but is also an incredible player and Villa are very lucky to have him. Any shouts calling Martinez overrated are just silly and he is more than deserving to win the Yashin Award. Villa are looking to secure Champions League football and he is a huge part of that.
