Emiliano Martínez slammed after ‘soft’ moment in Aston Villa defeat v Arsenal
Bryan King has criticised Aston Villa star Emiliano Martínez for his role in Arsenal’s second goal on Saturday (24 August).
The ex-Villa scout claims the goalkeeper could have done more to prevent Thomas Partey’s strike.
The Arsenal midfielder fired past Martínez from distance in the 77th minute as the Gunners beat Unai Emery’s side 2-0 at Villa Park.
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – feels that the Villa shot-stopper let himself down.
“That second goal looked a bit soft,” King said.
“Martínez got both hands on the ball but he didn’t manage to divert it away from goal, which was poor from him. However, he did have some positive moments.
“He made a great save from Bukayo Saka during the first half, down to his right-hand side. He would have felt good about that one.”
Emiliano Martínez lets himself down as Arsenal defeat Aston Villa at Villa Park
By his standards, Martínez definitely should have done better with Partey’s shot. The World Cup winner was able to get his hands to the ball but couldn’t push the strike away from the goal.
It was a sloppy mistake which supporters at Villa Park wouldn’t have expected from one of their big-name stars.
However, it wouldn’t be fair to place the blame for the defeat solely on the 31-year-old. It was an evenly contested match at Villa Park, and the home side arguably had the better of the chances.
Ollie Watkins had two clear-cut opportunities and on another day would have likely buried both.
It just wasn’t to be for Emery and his players, and the Villa boss will be keen to quickly move on from what was a frustrating defeat.
In other Aston Villa news, one player is interested in a last-minute transfer to the club after an exit update.
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