Emi Martinez has been singled out for his performance in Aston Villa's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday as Unai Emery's side close in on the Gunners
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez pictured
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was close to leaving the club over the summer
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Former Scotland international Ally McCoist has highlighted Emiliano Martinez's performance against Arsenal after Aston Villa beat the league leaders 2-1 at Villa Park.
It was a day to remember for the home crowd, with Emi Buendia's 95th-minute winner handing Unai Emery's side a vital three points as they continue to close the gap to Arsenal at the top of the table. Mikel Arteta's team are now just two points clear of second-placed Manchester City and three points in front of Villa.
Arsenal looked the stronger side as the second half began, with Leandro Trossard grabbing a quick equaliser. The Gunners were close to a second when Martin Odegaard launched a strike from outside the box.
However, World Cup winner Martinez leapt into the air and got his fingertips to the well-struck effort, diverting the on-target shot just over the crossbar. McCoist has singled out the save and believes it was a crucial moment in the match.
He told talkSPORT: “You did mention one player who I think is absolutely vital for them, and it’s the goalkeeper. I think again at the weekend, that one save when he just gets a fingertip to it was absolutely remarkable, I think it might have been from Odegaard.
“You’ve mentioned some great players there, but if you ask me who I think their key player is, it would probably be the goalkeeper.“
Aston Villa's ‘key player’ on Saturday was close to not being a Villa player at all this season after he was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.
When it looked certain that Martinez was joining United, Emery chose to start Marco Bizot in Villa's opening Premier League match, with 21-year-old keeper James Wright on the bench.
It appeared the Argentina international was set to leave the club as, on the final day of last season, he was seen crying and waving goodbye to the Villa fans at Old Trafford. Martinez was reportedly keen on joining Ruben Amorim's side.
Ultimately, United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, a move that surprised many pundits. Emery later admitted he needed to “fix” the situation with Martinez. The 33-year-old’s contract runs until 2029, meaning any departure next summer would require a significant fee.
A few months on from the transfer saga, Martinez is back doing what he does best - producing decisive saves in big games and celebrating with his teammates and the Villa supporters.
What have you made of Emi's season so far? Have your say here
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