Emiliano Martinez pulled off more heroics for Aston Villa in their FA Cup clash against Chelsea – and now he’s vowed to do one thing for the fans.
On Friday night, 6,000 Aston Villa supporters descended onto Stamford Bridge to watch their side draw 0-0 against Chelsea.
Villa are five places and 12 points above the Blues in the Premier League, but there was little to separate them here, although the hosts will reflect on missed chances in the first half by Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer as a chance to seal the tie slipped away.
Emiliano Martinez was the decisive factor on both occasions, spreading himself wide to prevent either player from scoring in a one-on-one situation.
The Argentine showed why he was world-class once more as many rushed to praise him after the match, including the opposition manager.
Mauricio Pochettino hailed his performance as ‘amazing’ after the 31-year-old proved to be unbeatable in the Villa goal, making five important saves, three of which were from inside the box.
When Unai Emery has needed his World Cup-winning hero to step up to the occasion, he invariably has, especially in recent weeks.
After conceding six goals in three matches over the Christmas period, Villa have now kept three clean sheets in a row, and a lot of that is down to the heroics of the Argentine.
Martinez has now made a claim that will make supporters even happier with him.
Emiliano Martinez reveals what he wants to do for the fans
It’s the Villans’ best chance in years to glean silverware. Emery’s side are through to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League, five points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League and a replay away from the FA Cup fifth round.
Martinez has reaffirmed their position by showing his adulation towards the supporters and the connection he feels towards them.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper believes the support they’ve shown deserves a trophy to match, as he achieved with Argentina.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, he said: “We want to give the fans a Cup run, we want to give them the trophy, we want to give them Champions League. We had the best year in Villa history in terms of points last year. We want to give them something at the end of the season.
“That’s why they come in numbers, they feel connected with the team. I feel the same way with the national team, with Argentina. We felt the same way with our fans and we repaid them with titles. I feel something similar here.”
Since Emery arrived in the Midlands and dragged a sleeping giant towards Europe, everyone associated with the club has been pulling in the same direction.
From the staff and players to the supporters, Villa are longing to see the day that a trophy is paraded around Villa Park.
With a bit of luck, their wish may come true this season.
