Premier League release statement on Brentford vs Aston Villa controversy
Aston Villa have not been at their best so far in the new Premier League campaign.
Unai Emery’s side drew on the opening day against Newcastle; however, Villa were largely on the back foot even before Ezri Konsa’s dismissal.
Emery’s side entered the game against Brentford as favourites, but Villa started Saturday’s contest poorly and found themselves a goal down in the opening 12 minutes.
The Villans were fortunate not to be two goals down before half-time as the hosts had a goal controversially ruled out, and now the Premier League have released a statement on the incident.
Emi Martinez’s blushes spared by VAR
Marco Bizot impressed on his debut for Villa, with the Dutchman keeping a clean sheet.
Despite his positive performance, Emery opted to reinstate Martinez into the starting XI, with the shot stopper being involved in a controversial incident in the 43rd minute.
Martinez failed to claim a cross when rushing off his line and found himself on the floor and helpless.
Mikkel Damsgaard was on hand to put the loose ball in the back of the net; however, the goal was ruled as Nathan Collins was judged by VAR to have fouled Martinez in the build-up when challenging for the ball.
Whilst Villa fans will be happy that the goal was ruled out, they will equally be aware that Martinez has been let off the hook, as the Premier League commented on the incident.
The statement was posted on the Premier League Match Centre X account, where the explanation for the goal being chalked off was given.
“The referee’s call of no goal following a foul by Collins on Martinez was checked and confirmed by VAR, with it deemed that Collins carelessly challenged the goalkeeper,” the statement read.
Read more: ‘Emi Martinez lined up for last-gasp £40m exit in perfect deal for Aston Villa’
Emi Martinez has real competition in Marco Bizot
Although the goal was ruled out, it was a horrific blunder from Martinez, and Emery may look into dropping the Argentinian in favour of Bizot if he continues to make mistakes of this magnitude.
With Bizot, Emery has the luxury of having another goalkeeper he can trust, which was not always the case in the past with the likes of Robin Olsen.
- Bizot made three saves against Newcastle
- The keeper had a goals prevented stat of 0.64 and also managed to make three high claims
Some may argue that Martinez may not be fully focused on Villa due to rumours linking him with a move away, but if the 32-year-old continues to make errors like these, he could find himself on the Villa bench.
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