Emiliano Martinez created an unforgettable moment, causing Aston Villa to suffer a 2-4 defeat against Arsenal in the 24th round of the Premier League on the night of February 18
90+8 minutes, when the score was 3-2 in favor of Arsenal, Martinez left the goal to join a corner. However, Aston Villa did not create enough pressure. Martinez’s intention to score backfired when Gabriel Martinelli escaped into the open, faced an empty goal and scored to finish the home team.
Things took a turn for the worse for Martinez when he was criticized by Aston Villa manager Unai Emery after the game: “I never asked the goalkeeper to go up in stoppage time. I don’t know the goal percentage of the goalkeeper. in moments like that. But in 100 attempts, they can score one goal.”
Martinez pays the price
Martinez’s reckless decision was a double-edged sword that led to a sad ending for Aston Villa. This is a match where the Villa Park team causes many difficulties for Arsenal. Only the smoothness of the gameplay and the brilliance of the stars helped the “Gunners” win an important victory.
Fortune also turned against Martinez in the third goal. Jorginho’s shot outside the penalty area in the 90+3 minute hit the crossbar and bounced the Argentinian goalkeeper into the net.
“There will be times when Martinez has to pay for his arrogance,” The Times commented after Martinez’s mistake. The British sports newspaper pointed out that many antifans will be interested to see Martinez taste the bitter fruit after a series of controversial actions at the 2022 World Cup. Martinez’s arrogance was once an interesting point for Argentina at the tournament. fighting in Qatar. However, the actions that provoked the opponent later made the keeper born in 1992 receive criticism.
During Argentina’s World Cup victory parade in Buenos Aires, fans caught Martinez mocking Kylian Mbappe by holding a doll with the French striker’s face. Before that, he also caused controversy when he celebrated offensively when he got on the podium to receive the title of “Best Goalkeeper”. As revealed by Martinez himself, Lionel Messi is also not satisfied with his behavior.
After the 2022 World Cup, Martinez only kept a clean sheet twice in 9 matches (against Tottenham and Southampton). The Villa Park home team suffered 5 defeats. Since the beginning of this season, coach Emery’s army is also in the group of poor defenses in the Premier League when receiving 38 goals after 23 matches.
The fault is not entirely on Martinez when the Aston Villa defense also made many mistakes. However, the Argentine goalkeeper needs to find a way to improve his individual performance.
What future for Martinez?
Criticism of coach Emery as an affirmation of the gradually fractured relationship between him and Martinez. The British press once reported that the Spanish military leader did not like the strong personality of “Dibu” (Martine’s nickname).
“I want Martinez to focus on helping the club win. On the other hand, I also want to control his behavior and emotions,” the former Arsenal manager said in December 2022.
English football experts also gradually see Martinez as an enemy. Commentator Graeme Souness once said: “Martinez should be ashamed of himself and his country. He looks like a clown.” If he continues to make mistakes at Aston Villa, Martinez will receive more criticism and scrutiny from public opinion.
The possibility of Martinez leaving Aston Villa can happen if the relationship between him and coach Emery is not improved. “Martinez is aiming as high as possible to play in the Champions League,” his agent Gustavo Goni said late last year.
With the 11th position on the current Premier League rankings, 13 points below the top 4, Aston Villa is difficult to compete for the Champions League spot. To realize his dream of playing football in the most prestigious arena of European club level, Martinez needs to find a new destination.
With recognized talent, Martinez can play for stronger teams than Aston Villa. However, the 30-year-old’s behavior and strong personality will be an obstacle for him to access powerful clubs in Europe.
