ASTON VILLA have “basically stolen” Emi Martinez from Arsenal as he is now one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, according to ex-Villans’ striker Alan McInally.
Former Scotland striker McInally claims “Arsenal will now be thinking, who in God’s name sanctioned that?'” – as the Gunners languish in mid-table while sixth-placed Villa thrive defensively.
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Emi Martinez is now one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, making a mockery of Arsenal selling him for £20m, says Alan McInallyCredit: PA:Press Association
Arsenal kept Bernd Leno as their No1 but have slipped to 11th in the Prem with four defeats from their first eight gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Dean Smith’s men have let in the equal-lowest total of Premier League goals since Martinez’s £20milion summer arrival – nine in seven games, peaking with last Sunday’s 3-0 win at the Emirates.
And pundit McInally told Footy Accumulators’ One to Watch: “I cannot believe we have horse-shoed him out of London.
“He’s a really good goalkeeper. I think you’ve already seen, even defensively Villa looking much better.
“What Aston Villa haven’t had for a long time is a top goalkeeper… I think Martinez is.
“With a bit of luck, I think he’s going to prove we have basically stolen him for £20million from Arsenal.
“It’s a wonderful move for Aston Villa and even better for Martinez, and hopefully the marriage will be absolutely fantastic.”
Martinez himself saluted victory at his old club in the final game before the international break by claiming his switch was an upwards move.
The 28-year-old said: “They were all saying it was a step down in my career but I always said it was a step up.
“Some people do not realise how big Aston Villa are.”
In contrast, Mikel Arteta has seen his Arsenal side slip to 11th place with four defeats in their first eight matches.
Germany No1 Bernd Leno has failed to justify the Gunners’ faith in him ahead of FA Cup final and Community Shield hero Martinez.
And McInally said of Villa’s bargain buy: “He’s a goalkeeper that last year no-one was speaking about and all of a sudden we see his worth.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
