Emiliano Martinez was held back by an Aston Villa backroom staff member after being visibly frustrated in the tunnel after Arsenal’s 4-1 win in the Premier League
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez lost his cool as he made his way through the tunnel at the Emirates Stadium following their defeat to Arsenal. The Gunners claimed a 4-1 victory over Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday night to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus helped secured the win for Arsenal on home soil in their final match of the calendar year. The result comes before second-placed Manchester City face Sunderland on New Year’s Day, with the chance to close the gap on Arsenal once again with a victory.
Footage has now emerged on social media showing Martinez as he made his way back to the Villa dressing room after Arsenal’s latest win. The former Gunners goalkeeper was visibly frustrated and had to be held back by a member of Villa’s backroom staff, after what appeared to be a heated exchange with somebody in the stands.
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Martinez had previously spent 10 years of his career as an Arsenal player, but made just 38 appearances for the Gunners with the goalkeeper spending a large portion of his time with the Gunners out on loan. The 33-year-old eventually left Arsenal in the summer of 2020 to join Villa on a permanent deal worth £20million.
Villa had gone into the game against Arsenal in superb form, winning their previous 11 matches including a dramatic 2-1 victory away at Chelsea just after Christmas. After the game, Villa boss Unai Emery explained why he sees Arsenal as the favourites to win the Premier League, whilst also reflecting on his own team’s performance.
“We competed fantastic in the first half and we had momentum. We had corners and defended well too. We didn’t concede a corner in the first half,” Emery said.
“We felt comfortable, but we conceded the first goal in the second half. [Amadou] Onana’s injury didn’t help us as he is important from set-pieces and in the middle.
“We didn’t give up and we competed like we were doing. We were not giving up and we scored one goal and had other chances. Arsenal are the best team in the league and they are the favourite to win the title.
“I don’t know if it is the day 19 or 20 because we have played Arsenal twice and then we play Nottingham. But I am happy with how we have set our ambitious demands.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
