Credit: Sky Sports
Credit: Sky Sports
Match

Jamie Redknapp slams Aston Villa star who 'got involved in two fights' in incident vs Chelsea

James Barker
James Barker

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with editorial experience at Football League World. FOCUS Statistical analysis and long-form opinion across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT James utilises data and a network of club contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis. He provides the statistical depth and editorial judgment behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp blasted Emi Martinez for his role in Chelsea's opening goal as Aston Villa won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Unai Emery's side beat Manchester United 2-1 last time out, but entered the half-time interval against Chelsea a goal down.

Joao Pedro didn't know much about it when the ball struck his calf and went into the Villa net following a Reece James corner kick.

Emi Martinez looking down holding his hand out while playing for Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago)

Jamie Redknapp criticises Emi Martinez for Joao Pedro goal

However, it was the role of Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez that didn't please Sky Sports pundit Redknapp.

Martinez was caught up in a wrestling match Enzo Fernandez as the corner kick came in, before taking a hold of Pedro's shirt, and was unable to prevent the ball from going past him as it struck Chelsea's number 20 and went into the net.

Speaking via Sky Sports at the half-time break, Redknapp said of Martinez's role in the goal: "Martinez has got involved in two fights: one with Enzo, and then one with Joao Pedro, still almost concentrating on the ball.

"And you can just see there that it hits Joao Pedro on the back of the calf. Martinez I think gets himself in a bit of a mess."

Martinez could be distracted as Aston Villa exit talk increases

Reports have been surfacing that Martinez may wish to leave Aston Villa and return to Argentina in the near future.

Now 33, Villa may well have had one eye on finding his long-term replacement soon regardless of his potential desire to leave the club.

However, Martinez is typically a superbly reliable pair of hands in between the sticks, and has barely put a glove or foot wrong for the club since his 2020 move to Villa Park.

  • Martinez has made over 220 appearances for Aston Villa
  • He kept eight clean sheets and conceded 45 goals in 37 PL games last season
  • Martinez' father has recently hinted that he wants to finish his career in Argentina

Therefore, fans may begin to question whether or not his game might start to suffer the longer transfer speculation goes on around his future, as moments like the one vs Chelsea for Pedro's goal aren't a common sight with the Villa goalkeeper.

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Emi Martinez
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