Emi Martinez called out by broadcaster as Aston Villa reel from ‘horror story’
Aston Villa lost all concentration to hand Nottingham Forest all three points in their clash on Saturday as Emi Martinez went from hero to villain, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Villa News, was puzzled by how the Argentine goalkeeper contrived to pull off one of the “saves of any season”, followed by a costly error at the City Ground [14 December].
Darke was uncertain on what caused Unai Emery’s side to ironically snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but predicted it could again have been down to a comedown from the midweek excitement of triumph in the Champions League – this time against RB Leipzig [10 December].
“The Nottingham Forest game was a bit of a horror story for them really. They looked in control of the game, and then towards the end there could have been three goals with the razor-thin offside decision. You do have to give Forest some credit,” he said.
“Again, Villa’s concentration maybe just wavered in the last few minutes after another emotional contest in the Champions League.
“Forest started creating any number of chances towards the end – Emi Martinez has produced one of the saves of any season, and then fumbles the equaliser which almost seemed impossible. That’s sport – you’re a hero and a villain within a few minutes.”
Emi Martinez to bounce back for Aston Villa
Despite Martinez’s mistake at the City Ground, which in the mind of a winner will overshadow for the man himself the stupendous save he made earlier, he will be thoroughly backed to return with a solid performance against Manchester City on Saturday [21 December].
Darke has been very complimentary of the World Cup holder in the past, even labelling him potentially the world’s best.
Villa sit seventh – three points behind Forest after an agonisingly crucial result – with the top four still very much in sight, and Champions League passage set to be achieved.
In other Aston Villa news, a Turkish club president reveals the Villans offered their side two senior players in the summer.
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.