Alan Shearer stunned by one key pass Emiliano Martinez in Aston Villa 0-0 draw v Everton
Aston Villa supporters may feel like it has been an age since they last saw their team play, and they would be right.
The Midlands club last took to the pitch when they met Everton last Sunday (14 January), with the Premier League clash ending 0-0 at Goodison Park.
It was a frustrating match for Unai Emery’s attackers, but a great one for his backline, in particular Emiliano Martinez.
As per WhoScored, the goalkeeper made one key pass during the game, as well as making two saves and four claims between the sticks.
The display certainly caught the eye of pundit Alan Shearer, who named Martinez in his Premier League Team of the Week (23 January), noting of the shot-stopper: “Two great saves to earn his clean sheet. Especially, the one-on-one to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin.”
The Argentine once again stayed focused and proved his worth to Emery, in a match where one tiny mistake would have undoubtedly cost his team.
It has been another very impressive campaign for the goalkeeper, with the Aston Villa man boasting 26 high claims, second only to Wolves number one Jose Sa with 35 [official Premier League website].
It is, however, the Villa Park star who leads the way in terms of sweeper clearances, with Martinez top of the pile with 28, five ahead of Tottenham ace Guglielmo Vicario in second place [official Premier League website].
Aston Villa finally return to action with a huge FA Cup fourth round trip to Chelsea on Friday (26 January), with Martinez once again set to play a crucial role between the sticks, unless Emery decides to rotate his goalkeepers and rest the Argentine.
In other Aston Villa news, one exit-linked Villa man recently shone with an 86% display, Emery will surely be delighted.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.