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    Emi Martinez slated by former Arsenal team-mate as he reveals Aston Villa star used to be completely different person

    EMILIANO MARTINEZ has come in for a scathing attack from his one-time Arsenal clubmate Samir Nasri.The keeper earned legend status at Aston Villa with two penalty saves during Thursday’s Europa Conference League triumph at Lille.Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez was slammed by a former Arsenal team-mate for his anticsCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal star Samir Nasri is not impressed with Martinez’s anticsCredit: Getty Images – GettyMartinez wound up home fans with a series of shushing gestures during the shoot-out as Villa clinched their place in the semi-finals.The Argentine was already unpopular in France following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final.He first denied Randal Kolo Muani a certain late winner before using mind games to help his side win on penalties.Martinez, 31, has now incurred the wrath of former France midfielder Nasri.Read More on ArsenalThe 36-year-old spent the 2010-11 season at Arsenal alongside the keeper, who had arrived from home-country club Independiente.Future Manchester City ace Nasri told Canal Plus: “Martinez’s behaviour annoys me, all the more because he didn’t used to be like that before.”I knew him at Arsenal, when he was very young, and then he used to be very low-key.”But now that kind of behaviour has become his stock in trade.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you save a penalty you have no need to wind up the opposing fans by telling them ‘shush.'”I think that is very borderline conduct, especially as he doesn’t need to do it to show he exists.Watch Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez demand a minute’s silence for Mbappe in wild World Cup celebrations”He made that key save from Kolo Muani, there was that penalty shootout against France, and now once more against Lille.”He doesn’t need to say ‘shush’ to get people talking about him.”Martinez has stood out for Aston Villa between the sticks More

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    Germany World Cup winner sticks the boot into Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Co with brutal seven-word tweet

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Mats Hummels took a brutal swipe at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham after their European eliminations.Aston Villa are now the only Prem club left in Europe after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League semi-finals where they will face Olympiacos.Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels trolled Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West HamCredit: GettyMan City were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyCity surrendered their Champions League crown and failed in their bid to win their second consecutive Treble as they lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on penalties in their quarter-final clash at the Etihad.And Arsenal’s dreams of a first ever Champions League title went up in flames after a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.Liverpool’s hopes of a Treble in Jurgen Klopp’s last ever season as manager also faded away as they were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta, even though they beat them 1-0.And West Ham’s European campaign came to an end by Xabi Alonso’s newly-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who extended their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.Read More on FootballHummels, 35, couldn’t help himself as he took to social media to poke fun at all the fallen English clubs.The centre-back issued a tongue-in-cheek post referencing the derogatory term “farmer’s league”, which has been used to describe inferior leagues.This term has also been used against competitive divisions, such as Ligue 1, and there were also occasions when it was addressed to the Bundesliga.Hummels tweeted: “Good harvesting this week my fellow farmers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner is now gearing up for the Champions League semi-finals.The defender helped Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen gave Edin Terzic’s side a comfortable lead early on.But an own goal by Hummels and a strike by Angel Correa levelled things up and put Atletico in the driver’s seat on aggregate.However, two quick goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer turned the game on its head and capped off a stunning triumph for the Bundesliga giants.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
    With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
    The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
    And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
    One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
    “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
    Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
    Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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    Fans ask ‘how can you not love this?’ as Martinez shares clip of penalty shootout s***housery from Villa win over Lille

    EMILIANO MARTINEZ has shared footage of his penalty shootout antics on social media.The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero as they beat Lille on spot-kicks to reach the Europa Conference League semi-finals.Emiliano Martinez has shared a video of his penalty shootout anticsCredit: GettyMartinez saved from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre after the clash had ended 3-3 on aggregate following extra-time.The Argentina international, who bizarrely escaped being shown a red card during the shootout, has now posted a video of his antics to X.In the clip, his taunts to the crowd after each penalty save can be seen.Martinez followed his first stop by turning and putting his finger to his lips in the direction of the Lille fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then danced in front of them after securing the victory with his second save.The home supporters had jeered and booed Martinez throughout the match and into the shootout.Reacting to the clip, one fan wrote: “How can you not love this?”Another added: “I don’t care what anyone says, he has that unfiltered AURA. The GOAT.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third supporter also commented: “The best in the world.”Meanwhile, one more said: “This guy is actually enjoying all of this, France must hate him so much.”Emiliano Martinez receives second yellow card during Aston Villa penalty shoot out – but DOESN’T get sent off Martinez had been a target for the French crowd on Thursday after his antics in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory.He was even booked during the shootout but avoided a red card despite also being carded in normal time.Instead, a little known rule meant he was not dismissed as yellow cards do not carry over into the penalty shootout.As a result, he was able to stay on the pitch and complete his heroics to send Villa through.Unai Emery’s side will now face Olympiacos in the semi-finals as the final English club remaining in Europe this season.The first leg will take place at Villa Park on May 2 before travelling to Greece a week later.Victory over Olympiacos would set up a final against either Fiorentina or Club Brugge in Athens on May 29.The Aston Villa goalkeeper was booked for taunting the Lille fansCredit: Getty More

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    Lille 2 Aston Villa 1 (3-3 agg, 3-4 on penalties): Emery’s side reach semi-finals despite late red card controversy

    ASTON VILLA took a bit of mauling from a club nicknamed The Mastiffs!But Unai Emery’s boys showed true British bulldog spirit to battle back when they seemed dead and buried.Aston Villa are in the Europa Conference League semis after a penalty win at LilleCredit: GettyVilla celebrated wildly after a nervy finishCredit: ReutersEmi Martinez made two saves in the shootout… and also received two yellow cardsCredit: ReutersMartinez wound the Lille fans up as he shushed them during the shootoutAnd it was Emi Martinez who turned out to be the dog’s b***ocks with two penalty saves to deny Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre.That was enough to send Villa through to their first major European semi-final for 42 years and how the Argentine goalie lapped it up.As Villa’s joyous players went to their travelling army of fans Martinez waved his No.1 shirt at Lille fans to remind them why he is the world’s top-rated goalie.For the French it was a re-run of his World Cup heroics from Qatar 2022 when Martinez used every dirty trick in the book to unnerve their national side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was at it again last night, chucking the ball away before diving to his left to save Bentaleb’s opening spot kick for Lille.Then bizarrely Martinez was shown a SECOND yellow card for goading the Lille fans packed behind his goal.But he was able to remain on the pitch as cards are reset at the start of any shoot-out.And after Leon Bailey had his penalty saved, it was Martinez who came to the rescue to save Lille’s fifth penalty from Andre to prove he is the top dog!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLille thought they had this tie in the bag after Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre struck in each half to leave Villa reeling.But with three minutes remaining Lille keeper Lucas Chevalier made a hash of dealing with Lucas Digne’s cross.Emiliano Martinez gets emotional in live Sky Sports interview while talking about his love for ArsenalAnd though sub Jhon Duran’s first attempt was blocked the ball landed at Matty Cash’s feet and the Polish Cafu rifled home with the help of a deflection.As the tie spilled into extra-time Villa thought they had won it when Chevalier palmed out Bailey’s shot and Douglas Luiz headed towards the empty net.But somehow Chevalier recovered to claw the ball off the line.Villa have still never won a competitive match in France in four attempts but they will not care after coming out on top here.Lille took the lead through Yusuf YaziciCredit: AFPBenjamin Andre made it 2-0 on the night with 20 minutes leftCredit: APEmery has now won his last EIGHT quarter-final ties in Europe, going on to lift the trophy on four occasions.However Lille boasted the best home record in France and have only lost once in their impressive Stade Pierre Mauroy Stadium this season, against Reims back in September.As promised, the Ultras packed behind Villa’s goal in the first half gave Martinez a verbal battering as they booed and jeered his every touch.And they almost raised the roof when the Villa No.1 was booked six minutes before the break for taking too long over a goal-kick.Matty Cash saved Villa’s skin as his late goal sent the game to extra timeCredit: AlamyAndre missed the deciding penalty as Martinez produced his second save of the shootoutCredit: ReutersRevenge came swiftly for the baying home crowd as Lille swept into the lead after 16 minutes.Leny Yoro spread Villa’s defence with a stunning crossfield pass to Gabriel Gudmundsson wide on the left.The Swede cleverly cut the ball back beyond Villa’s defensive line and Yusuf Yazici drilled a low left-footer past Martinez from the edge of the box.It was a sensational finish from the Turkish international and it rocked Villa who were rarely at the races.The visitors almost fell further behind when Martinez came to the rescue, taking one in the face as he crucially blocked Benjamin Andre’s point blank header.Villa players charged towards their hero goalie, who had received a second yellow during the shootoutCredit: APMartinez stayed on the field as cards reset after 120 minutesCredit: GettyMartinez continued after treatment but Nicolo Zaniolo had to be replaced by Morgan Rogers after damaging his hip following a collision with Andre.With tempers fraying, rival bosses Unai Emery and Paulo Fonseca were both booked for bickering at each other.Villa hadn’t managed a single shot during a troubled first half but that changed just before the hour when Matty Cash rifled a shot into the side net.But it was nowhere near enough and Villa were left with a mountain to climb when Lille doubled their lead to seize control of the tie after 67 minutes.Haraldsson whipped in a corner and Lille skipper Andre rose in front of Cash to flick home a header off the far post.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmery immediately sent on Leon Bailey for the ineffective Diaby.But it took Cash’s late strike to finally throw Villa a lifeline, which they took in the most dramatic fashion possible. 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    Fans furious as Ollie Watkins escapes red card for ‘elbow’ that left Lille ace Ismaily with horror injury

    SHOCKED fans can’t believe Ollie Watkins escaped a red card after an “elbow” left Lille’s Ismaily with a gruesome forehead swelling.The defender was cleared to carry on despite an egg-sized bruise – only to see Watkins’ Aston Villa reach the Europa Conference League last four after a controversial penalty shootout.Ismaily was able to continue despite this incredible swellingMany viewers were surprised Ollie Watkins was only bookedCredit: GettyOne viewer reacted: “Straight elbow from Watkins – course he isn’t sent off.”Another said: “Watkins just changed the shape of a man’s head???”Other responses included “ridiculous” …”that’s wild”… and “looks scary”.England striker Watkins was merely booked over the incident.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd in the end Villa sneaked through to their first major European semi-final since 1982 after a dramatic night in France.Unai Emery’s men were 2-1 up from the first leg but fell 2-0 behind on the night and 3-2 overall – as Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre struck.But Matty Cash pounced for an aggregate leveller on 87 minutes.Villa then won a jaw-dropping shootout 4-3 – with Emi Martinez the hero via two spot-kick saves but almost a villain courtesy of his second yellow card.Most read in FootballBooked for time-wasting during the match itself, the Argentinian keeper was cautioned again for an apparent gesture at home supporters.But Martinez was able to stay on – because his first yellow card did not count once the tie went to a shootout. Aston Villa duo John McGinn and Ollie Watkins discuss supporting team-mates on Scotland and England dutyNonetheless, Watkins avoiding a sending-off remained an equally-key moment for many fans.And some were even stunned Ismaily was able to continue.”He should have been taken off immediately,” one responded.”Jeez hope he’s good,” said another.And a few compared the size and shape of his injury to an egg or golf ball – before Lille were left with a headache following Villa’s triumph. More

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    Lille vs Aston Villa odds: Get £60 in free bets and bonuses with BetMGM

    ASTON VILLA take a 2-1 lead to France for the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter final with Lille.And bookmakers BetMGM are celebrating the big European occasion with a monster offer of £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and horse racing.Get £40 in free bets and bonuses when you stake £10 with BetMGMHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonus

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    Aston Villa 2 Lille 1: Ollie Watkins and John McGinn put hosts in driving seat in Europa Conference League quarter-final

    LILLE boss Paulo Fonseca claimed he had a plan to deal with Ollie Watkins.But the England hitman sent the Portuguese boss back to the drawing board as he ran Lille’s defenders ragged.Ollie Watkins put Aston Villa in front against LilleCredit: ReutersJohn McGinn added a brilliant second goal during the second halfCredit: AlamyWatkins broke the deadlock with a first half header to clock up his 26th goal of the season.And John McGinn doubled Villa’s lead after the break, following another choreographed corner routine, to leave Villa with one foot in their first European semi-final for 42 years. Lille did enough to suggest they will be difficult opponents in front of their own fans in their imposing Stade Pierre-Mauroy in six days time.And they were left to rue a VAR offside call which ruled out a late lifeline from Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was fractionally offside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Unai Emery was able to celebrate his 1000th match in charge with the 535th win of his career as Villa celebrated their century of UEFA games with a victory.The home side got off to a dream start and Ollie Watkins had watching royal Prince William, with son George,  leaping to his feet when he opened the scoring after 13 minutes.Lille failed to do their homework as Watkins’ goal was an exact replica of his opener against Ajax in the previous round.Once again Villa’s set-piece coach Austin MacPhee deserved credit as Emery’s men suckered Lille.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJohn McGinn swept over a left footed inswinger from the right and Diego Carlos and Morgan Rogers manhandled Lille’s biggest defenders to open up a route for Watkins.And the striker duly ghosted into the space they created to power his header home from six yards.Roy Keane tips Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make move to ‘top team’ like Man Utd, City or LiverpoolLille’s players and manager Paulo Fonseca pleaded with Norwegian ref Espen Eskas to turn to VAR but in truth they were victims of their own naivety.They couldn’t claim they hadn’t been warned as Watkins had already bullied Lille’s 17-year-old defender who folded at the merest of nudges.But Benjamin Andre spared the kid’s blushes with a desperate sliding tackle to block the striker’s shot.From the corner Watkins was denied again as Lucas Chevalier beat out his shot but Lille failed to learn their lesson as the England hotman scored from the next flag kick.However Lille were useful in possession and dangerous on the counter and Villa had Emi Martinez to thank from a hat-trick of crucial saves before the break.The Argentine World Cup winner raced off his line to defy Edon Zhegrova, then blocked Bafode Diakite as the defender burst through on goal.Unai Emery’s side will take a narrow lead to France next weekCredit: GettyAnd finally he bravely blocked at Jonathan David’s feet to deny Lille’s 24-goal top scorer.Paulo Fonseca was booked for continuing to moan about Villa’s opener and there was a scuffle between assistants from both benches at half-time.Apparently it carried on into the tunnel and Villa No.2 Pako Ayestaran and Lille’s goalkeeping coach were sent to the stand for the second half.On the park Villa thought they had delivered a knockout blow when McGinn doubled their lead just before the hour.Douglas Luiz worked a short corner with Bailey, who slipped as he laid the ball into McGinn;s path.But the Scot was surefooted as he passed the ball beyond Chevalier from the edge of the box to find the far corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESLille provided a sting in the tail, though, as they gave themselves a crucial lifeline with a late strike.Sub Andre Gomes swerved in a corner and defender Bafode Diakite tose at the near post to glance his header beyond Martinez.Lille pulled a goal back late on through Bafode DiakiteCredit: Getty More

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    Bonus point hoarder Ezri Konsa delivers timely 16-point haul ahead of Gameweek 30

    DREAM TEAM managers should know by now that bonus points add up to something substantial over the course of the season.Take Ezri Konsa (£3m) as a prime example.Bonus ballCredit: Dream TeamAston Villa’s No4 has earned 43 bonus points this campaign, the outright highest tally among defenders at the time of writing.He notched three of them at home to Wolves on Saturday as Unai Emery’s men registered a 2-0 win to keep Tottenham honest in the battle for fourth place.Konsa scored his side’s second goal and contributed to the hosts’ clean sheet to bank 16 points when all was said and done, his best single-game haul of 2023/24 so far.This could be seen as a timely reminder of his merits as he’s seemingly a smart option for Gameweek 30.Aston Villa are favourites to win the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Villains have another fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 29, a daunting trip to the Etihad on Wednesday night, but after that it’s back-to-back home games against Brentford and Lille.The Bees are without a win in seven league outings and while the French outfit are performing well in Ligue 1, Villa are the bookies’ favourites to win the Europa Conference League this season.Clean sheets aren’t guaranteed but Konsa’s ability to earn bonus points makes him an appealing option at a time when several other popular defenders are due to face strong opposition.Manchester City travel to Real Madrid in Gameweek 30 while Arsenal host Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballThere’s no need for gaffers to ditch the likes of William Saliba (£3.4m), Ruben Dias (£3.7m) and Ben White (£3.9m) as a matter of urgency but their midweek clean sheet chances are relatively low.Konsa banked 16 points against Wolves at the weekendCredit: RexAt £3m, Konsa is a comparatively cheap enabler who could help Dream Team bosses navigate a potentially tricky Gameweek.The England international has amassed 163 points in total this season which puts him just outside the top ten defenders.However, only five assets in his position have earned more points across their last three outings.Essentially, he’s a reliable, in-form performer who arguably has the best fixtures (among those with two) in Gameweek 30.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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