Don Goodman blown away by what ‘brilliant’ Aston Villa star did vs Newcastle – ‘Oh wow’
Aston Villa have gone in at the break with a 1-0 lead against Newcastle United.
Villa have travelled to face Newcastle on Sunday, knowing that their record away at St James’ Park is historically poor, but took the lead through an Emi Buendia stunner.
It was so nearly a repeat of Villa’s 5-1 defeat against Newcastle in 2023 this time around ,when Sandro Tonali so nearly opened the scoring after less than a minute.
Ollie Watkins’ frustration at Villa continued as Nick Pope somehow denied his effort to keep the Premier League clash goalless before the Argentine found the corner from range.
Things could have been so different without Emi Martinez, as the keeper was involved in one of the moments of the first half.
Emi Martinez ‘saves Aston Villa’ again
Martinez has come under scrutiny at Villa this season as fans continue to feel frustrated after the Argentine’s summer antics.
That hasn’t been helped by a series of mistakes and poor performances that have ultimately cost his side precious points.
The keeper didn’t cover himself in glory in the defeat against Everton last time out as his failed effort to catch the ball allowed Thierno Barry to net the winner.
Things were different in the first half against Newcastle, as the 33-year-old made a stunning save to deny Tonali an early opener.
The Italian charged through and skipped past various Villa defenders before getting a shot away that was sensationally denied by Martinez.
Don Goodman couldn’t believe what he was seeing live on Sky Sports Main Event as he gushed over the shot-stopper at St James’ Park.
He said: “Oh wow. What a goal that would have been, he’s got no right really. He wriggles his way through and, not for the first time this season, Emi Martinez has saved Aston Villa.
“It’s brilliant from the goalkeeper, he delays committing himself. It’s a big save. It’s brilliant from Martinez.“
Martinez given little to do vs Newcastle United
Martinez may have made a stunning save in the early exchanges in the north east, but he has faced little threat outside of that from the Magpies.
His first save came against Tonali, denying a chance worth 0.46 expected goals while maintaining a 100 per cent save ratio with his further two stops.
| Stat | Emi Martinez | Nick Pope |
| Save ratio (%) | 100 | 33 |
| Saves | 3 | 1 |
| Goals conceded | 0 | 1 |
| Accurate long balls | 5 | 2 |
The Argentina international has also completed five long balls and nine passes, while taking the pressure off his teammates with two high claims and seven recoveries.
On a quiet afternoon for a keeper, he has still kept himself busy and will be more than pleased with his efforts to deny Newcastle’s Italian ace from scoring the opener.
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