Ex-Arsenal showstopper Emiliano Martinez has revealed that he always wanted to qualify for European football with Aston Villa.
As reported by The Times, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up about his move to Arsenal in the summer following his side’s win over his former club. The goalkeeper has also talked about his goals at his current club this season.
Arsenal slumped to their fourth defeat of the campaign, in a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. It was perhaps a glorious moment for Martinez as the goalkeeper not only managed to keep a clean sheet – his fourth of the season – but also witnessed his former competitor Bernd Leno concede three goals.
The win helped Aston Villa climb back up to the sixth spot in the Premier League table, with Martinez raving about his decision to join the Villans and that the move was a “step-up” in his career. He further revealed that qualifying for Europe with Aston Villa was always his target.
“I said on day one my ambition is to be in Europe with Aston Villa. I want to take this club as high as possible and we are on the right path”, Do I think it can be done this season? Yes. That’s the idea. That’s the wish. We have to work for it.”, Martinez said, as quoted by The Times.
The Argentine’s target, as ambitious as it may seem, isn’t particularly an improbable proposition if we consider Villa’s form in the Premier League this term. They are already flying high in the league table with five wins in seven matches, with the join-best defensive record in the league.
? Emiliano Martinez: “Everyone thinks it's a step down going from Arsenal to Villa, but I actually think it's a step up in my career."
Hard to disagree after tonight ? pic.twitter.com/EYzgArQfs6
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) November 8, 2020
Emiliano Martinez does indeed play a key role behind that impressive defensive record, with the goalkeeper notably attaining a save percentage rate of 70%, which is among the highest in the league. His tally of four clean sheets in seven matches is only matched by Rui Patricio and Alex McCarthy, though both of them have played an additional match.
As for Arsenal, Bernd Leno hasn’t been at fault for their inconsistent defence as the German has attained a decent save percentage rate of 67%. The Gunners, unfortunately, any sort of tactical cohesion under Mikel Arteta and have appeared quite vulnerable on the counter, despite the excellent performances of new signing Gabriel Magalhaes.
Martinez, therefore, will be delighted to have opted for Aston Villa, although it could be imperative that he maintains his good run of form. More importantly, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Villans can keep up their extraordinary start to the campaign and potentially finish inside the top six come the end of the season.
