Unai Emery hails surprise Aston Villa hero after Feyenoord win
Aston Villa have turned their dreadful start to the season on its head with three consecutive victories.
Villa beat Feyenoord 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night, following their first Premier League win of the season against Fulham last weekend.
Unai Emery had been under immense pressure at Villa, after failing to win a game in any of the first six games of the season.
Villa fans were pleased with Emery's team selection ahead of the Feyenoord clash, but one late change was forced just moments before kick-off.
Marco Bizot earns Unai Emery praise after shock Aston Villa start,
Villa's Emi Martinez was replaced by Marco Bizot just minutes before the game started, which left fans baffled.
Despite the late change, Bizot put in a Man of the Match performance and may have rescued all three points for Villa.
- Bizot made eight saves
- Four saves were inside the box
- The Dutchman also picked up a yellow card for simulation
Bizot also had a pass accuracy of 84 per cent, which is an improvement on Martinez's 77 per cent average this season.
The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell quizzed Emery on Bizot's mentality, to come on in the circumstances he did, and still manage to put in a heroic performance.
"A fantastic professional and a fantastic guy, we need players like him," Emery said.
The veteran goalkeeper was signed from French side Brest in the summer, with many expecting him to play a minor role this season.
Bizot has been used more than he might have initially expected already this season, but is quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite at Villa Park
Marco Bizot has been a fantastic number two for Aston Villa
Martinez was expected to leave Aston Villa in the summer, as the club prepared to sign a number one replacement. Bizot's role was to always play back-up.
| Feyenoord | Bologna | Brentford | Crystal Palace | Aston Villa |
| 8.9 (MOTM) | 8.8 (MOTM) | 7.5 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
Villa fans will be delighted to know that when needed, Bizot can provide a reliable deputy and more, and his performances are making a strong case to be Villa's number one.
Aston Villa play Burnley next in the Premier League on Sunday, and it's yet to be determined how long Martinez will be out of the side.
One thing is for sure that Villa fans won't mind seeing Bizot back in between the sticks after his recent heroics.
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