Arsenal fans can have no complaints about their summer transfer activity. The Gunners signed Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey, and the two big-money arrivals have been among the best signings of the window.
Willian also came in on a free transfer, and the Brazilian’s experience will be valuable to Arsenal’s youngsters. Iceland international Runar Alex Runarsson was the surprise buy, but Mikel Arteta had to bring in a new goalkeeper after Emiliano Martinez left the club.
The Argentine spent a decade at Arsenal yet had to wait until the very end to get regular game time in the Premier League. Martinez was brilliant for the Gunners at the business end of last season and, without him, they might not have won the FA Cup.
The 28-year-old did feature for Arsenal in the Europa League last season under Unai Emery. He barely put a foot wrong, and his performance exactly a year ago was probably his best under the former Gunners boss.
Martinez saved Arsenal from defeat on this day last year
On this day in 2019, Arsenal faced Liga NOS side Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Europa League away from home. The Gunners were on a bad run under Emery, and their first half performance in Portugal was terrible to say the least.
Arsenal deserved to be at least a couple of goals down at half-time. Former Tottenham youngster Marcus Edwards was denied by a brilliant save by Martinez, and Gunners supporters heaped praise on their backup goalkeeper after the game (Read more).
Arsenal eventually let a late lead slip and drew the game 1-1, but it could have been so much worse. Martinez saved the Gunners from defeat 12 months ago and now he will start against Arteta’s men for Aston Villa on Sunday.
Dean Smith’s side signed the Argentine shot-stopper for £17 million back in September (BBC). Martinez has played six times in the league for Villa so far this term and has kept three clean sheets.
Arsenal haven’t been prolific in front of goal themselves, having scored just nine goals in seven league games; three of which came on the opening day against relegation-favourites Fulham.
Martinez will return to the Emirates on Sunday with a point to prove. He showed his quality for the Gunners last term and, if things go his way, he could make Arteta and Arsenal regret their decision to sell him this summer.
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