Emiliano Martinez told beIN SPORTS (08/11/20 at 9:25 pm) that Arsenal are going to do ‘really well’ in the next few years under Mikel Arteta.
The 28-year-old, who left Arsenal after 10 years in the summer, returned with Aston Villa over the weekend and recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win.
It was some return for Martinez because Villa outclassed Arsenal from start to finish, and in truth, he didn’t have much to do in between the sticks.
Nonetheless, Martinez shared how Arsenal are going to fare during these coming years under Arteta and made an admission about coming up against them.
“I respect their manager’s ambitions,” said Martinez. “I think they are going to do really well in the next few years and I am so happy to see them.
On giving Villa tips about Arsenal: “No, I don’t think my mates need inside tips. They are so good at what they do. We stick with the game plan the manager gave us during the week and we worked really hard after two weeks. I am so happy for all my teammates.
On playing against Arsenal: “I am a little bit emotional, to be honest with you. Two months ago, I was lifting two trophies with them and I had been at Arsenal for 10 years. When I play against them now I just want to win. I am a winner. I am Argentinian.”
Aside from a couple of bad results here and there, both Villa and Arsenal have boasted one of the best defensive records in the league.
A lot was made about the competition between Martinez and Bernd Leno at Arsenal – at this moment in time, both teams have conceded nine goals.
Given where Martinez was in his career, he either needed to be number one in North London, and that would have been harsh on Leno because he has been one of Arsenal’s best players, or move on and showcase his talents as number one elsewhere.
He’s doing that in bucket loads with Aston Villa right now and he will be hoping it continues.
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