Stan Collymore assesses Emi Martinez transfer snub after Aston Villa howler vs Liverpool
Emi Martinez has huge questions to answer at Aston Villa after gifting Liverpool the lead at Anfield.
Martinez was strongly linked to Manchester United over the summer, but played more like a Liverpool fan when he assisted Mohamed Salah for the Reds’ opener.
The Argentina international had previously made an excellent save from Dominik Szoboszlai after Evann Guessand gave a silly foul away for Aston Villa.
That hasn’t taken away from Martinez’s howler on 46 minutes, which has left Stan Collymore less than impressed.
Taking to X on 1 November, the former Villa striker said: “Love Emi, he’s been a great servant for the club. But he’s good for at least one brain dart per game, and dare I suggest that’s why one of the “big boys” didn’t come knocking in summer.
“Great shotstopper, important character in the dressing room and super all-round keeper. But a ricket like that is at least 1 per game, home or away. Just can’t keep repeating it week in week out.“
Emi Martinez let Aston Villa down vs Liverpool
Martinez wanted a move to Man United in the summer, but it never materialised, and he was forced to remain with Unai Emery and his team.
The Argentine has been largely positive since a deal fell through, making several key saves, with Martinez’s stop against Everton being a particular highlight.
That counts for nothing when the 33-year-old passed the ball straight to one of the best players in the Premier League and handed him an open goal to pass into.
Collymore is spot on in his verdict that this sort of error is within him and continues to show itself regularly for the Villans.
Without his error, Villa go in at the break against Liverpool on level terms and have a much better outlook for the rest of the night.
The claret and blue outfit does have a history of dealing with a Martinez mistake and coming back to secure a draw against the Anfield club.
Martinez cost Aston Villa vs Liverpool in 2024
A 3-3 draw against Liverpool on 13 May 2024 is remembered as the point that ultimately secured Champions League qualification in B6.
Jhon Duran came off the bench to bag a three-minute brace and secure a huge draw in the context of the season.
It could have been very different on the night if Martinez hadn’t scored an own goal within the opening two minutes at Villa Park.
A Harvey Elliott cross came in, and the keeper bizarrely pushed the ball into his own net before getting to his knees and looking crestfallen.
So, not only did he gift Liverpool a goal in 2024, but he has replicated that feat once again 537 days later.
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