Aston Villa were made to sweat by Ipswich Town in their Premier League clash at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon.
A lapse in judgement at the back saw Liam Delap capitalise and deny Unai Emery a first clean sheet of the season, putting the side behind.
Villa pulled themselves level as Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers combined to capitalise on a mistake from Jacob Greaves, with Rogers striking inside the box.
That turnaround was complete just before the break as Leon Bailey’s cross found Watkins, who peeled off the defenders to nod home another goal.
Despite those moments of attacking ability, Aston Villa were dependent on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on several occasions.
Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez praised as “world-class”
While Martinez will have been disappointed for the way he conceded to Delap in the first few moments, he certainly had an impact on the game after.
A fierce strike from Kalvin Phillips required a strong hand to tip the Manchester City loanee’s effort beyond the post.
The Argentinian international was called upon again moments later as Delap went through on goal in a huge chance.
Martinez pulled out a huge save with his feet to deny the striker a second goal in the first half and took his side into the lead.
After the save, Alan Smith said on Sky Sports: “It was another golden opportunity for Ipswich, but he’s [Martinez] a world-class goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that.”
Aston Villa may be calling upon him again to keep hold of all three points ahead of an important week with the Champions League and Premier League action ahead.
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Aston Villa still await first Premier League clean sheet
While Martinez brought out all of the stops for Aston Villa, there are still some concerns over the side’s defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.
Emery’s players are without a clean sheet in the division, while their only game without conceding came in the 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League.
It may be something the side have to work on to earn points in both domestic and European competitions this season.
While they’re earning victories it’s less of a problem but when games get stretched, it is something that will have to be addressed.
