Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has admitted that his side went through ‘suffering’ in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Arsenal.
What a week this has been for Aston Villa.
The 1-0 win over Manchester City in midweek was a major success having dominated Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side.
Unai Emery had the chance to back it up with another win on Saturday evening, this time taking on his former club Arsenal.
Villa produced another victory, securing a second 1-0 win in a matter of days as John McGinn’s early goal claimed all three points.
Villa had to withstand major pressure – and some controversial decisions – but got through with another impressive victory.
Emi Martinez reacts after beating Arsenal
Emery will certainly have enjoyed beating his former club and the same goes for goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Argentinian quit Arsenal in 2020, making a move to Villa in order to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
That move has worked pretty well for Martinez, who was on the cusp of a World Cup win this time last year.
Now celebrating a win and a clean sheet against former club Arsenal, Martinez has given his view on a superb week.
Martinez has told talkSPORT that he thinks Villa are in the title race having moved just two points off top spot.
Martinez added that he and Villa had to go through real ‘suffering’ against Arsenal as the Gunners pushed and pushed for a leveller.
Villa managed to battle through, showing that they can win in different ways having dominated against City.
“Yeah, yeah, of course [we’re in the title race],” said Martinez. “When you beat City and Arsenal in a week, one game controlling them like I’ve never seen Man City being controlled, then suffering against Arsenal for 85 minutes and managing to win again…. I’m a believer, mate,” he added.
This could have been a very different game had Arsenal been given a penalty for an apparent foul from Douglas Luiz on Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal also had a late Kai Havertz leveller ruled out for handball, so Villa did have a couple of lucky escapes.
Villa managed to get through though and Martinez now has his sights set on challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title.
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