Aston Villa secured an important 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday evening, and Emiliano Martinez was once again critical to the outcome.
The visitors began brightly and dominated possession in the early stages, and in the 15th minute, they were presented with a golden opportunity to take the lead.
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As the ball fell to the feet of Rayan Ait-Nouri at the back post from a delivery into the box, the Wolves defender steadied himself and looked certain to break the deadlock and inflict a major blow on us.
Martinez though, had other ideas. The World Cup winner spread himself superbly as he so often does, and was able to deflect the attempt over the bar and out for a corner as Ait-Nouri looked on in disbelief that he hadn’t converted the chance.
Had that gone in, who knows how the game would have gone. Wolves would have grown in confidence and had something to protect, while given what’s at stake for us this season, nerves and frustration perhaps would have crept in amongst the home faithful at Villa Park.
That's why he's the best in the world. pic.twitter.com/Zmk74otBln
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 31, 2024
That though, is something Martinez has been producing all season, and often on a weekly basis. The 31-year-old has developed a welcome habit of producing game-changing moments with his shot-stopping ability, and they regularly prove to be decisive to the outcome.
While our attacking threats will often make the headlines and earn the spotlight themselves, it’s important not to forget just how fundamental Martinez has been again for us this season.
His interventions change the entire complexion of a game and keep us in a position to go on and win consistently. While there’s perhaps no definitive way to determine just how many points he might have earned us this year, you can confidently assume that it’s a lot given how he always seems to pop up and produce moments of world-class goalkeeping in every game.
His leadership, experience and presence all make him an integral figure in this Villa side, as he sets the standard and tone for his teammates, even more so this past weekend having worn the captain’s armband.
With 12 clean sheets in 39 games so far this season, having made 101 saves, established a 67 percent save percentage on shots faced, 18 clearances and with an 83 percent pass completion, the Argentine international continues to prove why he’s the best in the world, and it’s been some journey since he joined us in September 2020.
Martinez has enjoyed getting to the pinnacle of the game by winning a World Cup, and as we continue to enjoy watching him produce game-defining moments between the posts, he’ll hopefully be able to relish success at club level sooner rather than later.
MOOD. pic.twitter.com/uUUn7mlsyd
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 30, 2024
