Gary Neville rages over Emi Martinez moment that ‘drove him crazy’ for Aston Villa
Gary Neville has been left baffled by the way Emi Martinez has played for Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
The Argentina international has consistently been a controversial figure for the Villans, especially after winning back-to-back Yashin Trophy awards.
Regardless of this, the 32-year-old has remained as Villa’s number one and has continued to impress despite struggling to keep many clean sheets.
One particular element of his game has come under fire from Neville who has since called out the shot-stopper.
Neville fuming by Martinez play v Crystal Palace
The former Arsenal goalkeeper came off at half time at Selhurst Park to be replaced by Robin Olsen.
Many supporters felt as if Martinez had let his teammates down against the Eagles, especially when his side went on to concede another three goals.
It wasn’t this fact that frustrated Neville the most, it was the way that the Argentine delayed playing a pass while inviting the Palace forwards on to him.
At one point in Croydon, the keeper stood on the ball for nearly a minute and the former Manchester United man took issue with this on Stick to Football (6 March).
He said: “You mention Martinez, I was watching him [against Crystal Palace] and it absolutely drove me crazy.”
Ian Wright added: “He took so long here.”
Neville butted in to say: “Just watch, it’s incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it. That’s one minute of football where Emi Martinez is literally just stood on the ball.”
Neville wrong in Martinez frustration
It is bizarre to hear a pundit as famed as Neville react in this sort of fashion to a style of play which has got the Villans to where they are now.
In the last week, Emery’s men have secured a 3-1 win in the Champions League against Club Brugge while also earning a quarter-final place in the FA Cup.
This has all been done while maintaining the hunt for European qualification in the Premier League.
Ultimately, these successes start with Martinez and his ability to stand on the ball and invite pressure before getting his side going.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Emi Martinez |
| Saves | 73 |
| High claims | 40 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 79.7 |
| Accurate long balls | 145 |
Without the Argentine’s patience and ability on the ball, the B6 club would be forced into playing in a very different way, which would be damaging.
Although this method didn’t work against Palace, it is damming that the Villans’ performances got much worse once the number 23 had gone off.