Shay Given wowed by Aston Villa ‘winner’ Emiliano Martinez, star delivered 100% masterclass v Brentford
Aston Villa are running riot under Unai Emery this season, with the manager having built a very strong and talented squad at Villa Park.
And one key player behind their recent success is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has produced countless match-winning moments between the sticks.
Villa have one of the meanest defences in the current Premier League campaign, with only Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City conceding fewer goals [official Premier League website].
Interestingly, however, Martinez only has four clean sheets to his name [official Premier League website], which is undoubtedly a figure he will want to improve upon as the months go on.
But he remains a key piece of the puzzle, with Premier League legend Shay Given suggesting that Martinez is one of the reasons why they are currently just one point behind league leaders Arsenal.
“I think one of the reasons they are up there is because of him,” Given said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club (18 December). “He’s got personality, he’s got a presence on the pitch, he’s got leadership qualities and he’s a winner.”
Emery’s men have the chance to go to the very top of the standings when they take on struggling Sheffield United on Friday (22 December).
And Martinez is once again certain to have a crucial say in the match, with the number one having shone against Brentford on Sunday (17 December).
As per Sofascore, the Argentine made two saves and one high claim, and was successful in his only run out (100%). Moreover, the 2022 World Cup winner won both of his duels against the Bees, made one clearance, and finished the match with a 76% passing accuracy, with that latter total perhaps something he can work on behind the scenes.
In other Aston Villa news, an 86% Aston Villa ace has given Emery a headache after what happened in the 2-1 win against Brentford.