ARSENAL legend Tony Adams claims boss Mikel Arteta blundered by selling Emiliano Martinez – as current No1 Bernd Leno is not a “top-four keeper”.
Arteta let Aston Villa splash £17million on Martinez last week despite the Argentinian’s FA Cup final heroics and fine Community Shield display against Liverpool.
Bernd Leno won the battle with Emiliano Martinez to be Arsenal’s No1 but Tony Adams has questioned if the right man leftCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Aston Villa team-mates hail debutant Emiliano Martinez after his penalty save from Sheffield United’s John Lundstram Credit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
And former Gunners’ skipper Adams contrasts Martinez’s impressive start to his Villa career with Leno’s failings.
Martinez has saved a penalty and kept a clean sheet in both his Premier League games for Dean Smith’s side.
And ex-England defender Adams told Stadium Astro: “Martinez was incredible in the cup run. He was sensational.
“What Leno does struggle with, for me, is crosses.
“Arteta’s gone, ‘no, Leno is my number one, I like him’ and he’s put all his faith in him. But I don’t believe he’s a top-four goalkeeper.”
And Adams rammed home his prise of Martinez’s form at the tail-end of last term.
He added: “Martinez was coincidence, everything fell into place for Arsenal in the cup competition last year.
“This goalkeeper comes in – been at the club for ten years and not played ten games – and he stops everything!
“He was a man possessed, he was incredible. For me he was the number one… but Arteta’s the man and he’s chosen a different goalkeeper.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk