Leeds United staff member leaves Aston Villa fan ‘devastated’ after Emi Martinez gesture
Aston Villa’s draw against Leeds was not ideal, and one fan may be feeling even more downhearted after an interaction between a Leeds staff member and Emi Martinez.
Tammy Abraham’s late goal saved Aston Villa’s blushes against the Whites, but the Villans will have been disappointed with the result nonetheless.
Unai Emery still has the Villa Park side in good stead for Champions League football, with the gap to those behind them standing at six points.
However, more results such as the 1-1 draw against Leeds may allow the chasing pack to smell blood in the battle for Europe.
While supporters will still have plenty of optimism for the Villans this season, one matchgoer came away from Saturday’s game with some added sadness.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds’ goalkeeping coach Ed Wootten was able to snag himself Martinez’ jersey, much to the disappointment of said Villa fan.
Emi Martinez accidentally snubs Aston Villa fan in jersey request
There has been a rise in supporters coming to football grounds with signs asking for the jersey of their favourite player, and Aston Villa’s draw against Leeds was no different.
Ahead of the game, a Villa supporter arrived at the stadium with a sign written in Spanish, asking for Martinez’ jersey following the full-time whistle.
With the shot-stopper being at Aston Villa since 2020, it comes as no surprise to see him being one of the Villa Park favourites.
However, there was to be no joy for that sign-holder, thanks to Leeds’ Wootten.
The moment caught by the Yorkshire Evening Post suggests the fan was “probably devastated” as Leeds’ goalkeeper coach received the gift he was looking for.
Of course, there was no ill will on the side of Leeds’ coach or the Argentine, who may not have noticed the sign, and with Wootten having more access to request the shirt, he always held the advantage in that regard.
How did Martinez perform against Leeds?
While Aston Villa did go a goal behind, you cannot really put Martinez into question for the goal that Leeds scored.
Anton Stach’s free kick is no doubt a contender for goal of the season, as the long-range effort found its way into the top corner.
However, other than that sensational moment, the Argentine was called into action on three separate occasions.
Martinez made three saves, all within the box, preventing a further 0.65 xGOT according to Sofascore.
It may not have been his busiest afternoon, but the 33-year-old was still as important as ever.
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