Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has talked up the quality of Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, after Saturday’s game between the two sides.
Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Villa on Saturday, but Xhaka went as close as any Gunners players to rescuing a point for Mikel Arteta’s men.
The Swiss midfielder launched a long-range free kick towards goal and it appeared to be heading straight into the top corner, before a diving Martinez saved the day.
The Villa custodian produced a fine stop, but he had the advantage of knowing Xhaka’s quality, having played with him for so many years at Arsenal.
And Martinez admits that he predicted Xhaka would shoot, from what initially looked like a crossing position.
“I know Granit for so many years and I know that he’s got a wonder-left foot,” he said.
“When he was on the ball I didn’t think he was going to cross, I thought he was going to be over the wall and top bins and he did it.
“He hit it really really cleanly, but my speed was spot on and the pitch was really good, so I’m delighted I kept that out.”
Xhaka’s recent displays have earned him credit from Arsenal fans and management, but he was unable to drag his side back into the game at the weekend.
Arsenal have now lost two games on the bounce, and the pressure will be on Arteta’s side to get back to winning ways soon.
Arsenal have shown real signs of progression in recent weeks, but their latest couple of set-backs are a big frustration and they can ill-afford it to turn into a real slump, after such a slow start.
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