EMI MARTINEZ again consoled Hugo Lloris again as the World Cup final keepers met just two weeks after their shootout drama in Qatar.
But if Martinez was seen as a joker in the Middle East, Lloris was judged by some as a clown at Tottenham Hotspur stadium as his error gifted Aston Villa the opener in a 2-0 win.
Once more, though, the Argentina No1 showed his more sporting side to his rival stopper.
Villa sub Martinez sought out Lloris for a knowing handshake.
Just a fortnight ago, the ex-Arsenal keeper had done the same after Argentina won the World Cup final 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
That epic triumph was thanks in part to Martinez dancing around to distract France’s spot-kick takers.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
He then spiced up that controversy with suggestive antics when celebrating with his winner’s medal.
But he only had a watching brief this time as Sweden keeper Robin Olsen had a solid game to help Villa ease into mid-table.
It left Spurs fifth as pressure mounts on manager Antonio Conte.
Argentinian winger Emi Buendia punished Lloris’ blunder on 50 minutes and Villa’s linchpin midfielder Douglas Luiz drilled a neat clincher.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Martinez was also spotted in the tunnel before kick-off singling out Lloris for their first greeting since returning from Qatar.
But when Lloris slipped up for Buendia’s simple goal, Paddy Power couldn’t resist a reference to the final in Qatar.
The bookie posted: “I don’t know how, but, somehow, Emi Martinez is responsible for sh**housing that mistake out of Hugo Lloris.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
