Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez declared his eternal love for Arsenal despite helping his side deal a formidable blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title for the first time in 20 years received a devastating hit when Villa secured a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealed the three points for Unai Emery’s team, but Argentine goalkeeper Martinez played a pivotal role, too.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The World Cup-winning shot stopper pulled off an incredible save to keep out a close-range Leandro Trossard shot to keep the scores level in the first half. Martinez’s heroics came as the home fans jeered at him, having spent eight years at the north London club before joining Villa in 2020.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
He said to Sky Sports: “I think it was 10-11 years I was here. I’ve still got friends here. I came here as a lad and left a man. I’ll always love this club. They are still second, they’ve come far and have one of the best managers in the world. I’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta]. I know how good he is.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal’s defeat leaves them two points behind reigning champions and current league leaders Manchester City, and level on points with fellow challengers Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s team will hope to bounce back when they visit Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek before taking on Wolves in the league next Saturday.
