World Cup Watch: Aston Villa star Emi Martinez spotlight in Argentina loss v Saudi Arabia
Aston Villa shot-stopper Emi Martinez had a day to forget in between the sticks for Argentina as they crumbled to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
The goalkeeper faced just two shots on target all game, and both ended up going in the back of his own net in a frustrating outing for the 30-year-old Villan.
Martinez had a quiet first half which included few touches, as Saudi Arabia struggled to assert themselves on the game, but in the second half, they came to life.
As Lionel Messi and co looked to double their lead after the break, it was Saleh Al-Shehri who caught the Argentinian back-four napping as he charged away from Christian Romero before firing across Martinez with a left-footed shot from a tight angle.
The Villa goalkeeper couldn’t have done much better with this opening goal, apart from potentially positioning himself a pace or two further to his left- but if he had done so, he may have left his near post vulnerable.
For Saudi Arabia’s winner though, you could definitely argue that Martinez should have saved it.
The minnows talisman Salem Al Dawsari dumbfounded Martinez with a stunning early strike in the 53rd minute which rocked Argentina and in turn sparked wild Saudi Arabian celebrations.
After sidestepping a challenge inside the box, the attacker opened up his body and thumped a curling strike into the far corner of Martinez’s net.
The Villa goalkeeper did in fact get a good hand to the goal but could only parry it into his own net.
In hindsight, the shot-stopper could have done better with this attempt, but he was seemingly outfoxed by how early Al Dawsari hit the ball and the pace it travelled at.
In terms of distribution Martinez had no issues, but never exactly found himself under pressure from Saudi Arabia’s attack, making his life relatively easy for large portions of the afternoon.
He commanded his own box with authority – a sight Villa fans have come to expect – and dealt with crosses comfortably, but the fact is, Saudi Arabia had two shots on target and scored two goals.
It wasn’t Martinez’s finest afternoon in an Argentina shirt, but he will no doubt be back to his best for his remaining two group games.
In other news, Aston Villa: Matty Cash stunned by Danny Ings after quick start under Unai Emery.