“We have Emi, who is a phenomenon” said Lionel Messi in July this year, after his teammate Emiliano Martinez saved three penalties against Columbia in Copa America in July this year. And when one of the best players ever talks like that about another player, it’s worth something. But, for Emiliano Martinez there was no place in the Arsenal squad. After eight years at the club, the Argentinian was sold last summer for 2.4 billion Ksh and Arsenal splashed the cash and bought inexperienced Aaron Ramsdale for almost double – 4.5 billion Ksh. Arsenal’s new signing is – brace yourself – 4 years old!Still, Arsenal coach doesn’t seem to have a problem with that, and he doesn’t regret his decision to sell Martinez, who is in great form in Aston Villa. “We made decisions with the best possible interest of the club. But as well a big participant was Emi. He got to a point in his career where under me he started to play big games very well. It was urgent for him because he wanted to play so long. He’s a great kid. I played with him I managed him. I can say that I’m happy for him” said the Spaniard.Martinez: ‘I only joined Arsenal for my family’s sake’Mikel Arteta is preparing for Friday night’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, and both clubs have not started the season as expected. With the amount of money spent for reinforcements, it was widely believed that both clubs will have a strong season, especially Arsenal, as the biggest spenders during the transfer window. But after eight rounds, The Gunners and The Villains have only three victories to their name, not enough. Arteta’s men have not lost in the last six matches in all competition, but their last game with Crystal Palace, when they avoided defeat deep into injury time was worrying. Former Arsenal keeper Martinez: the Jedi Master of intimidation and distractionWhat’s even more worrying for the hosts is that Arsenal have lost four of their last 10 home games against Villa, and coach Dean Smith has won 75% of his Premier League meetings with Arsenal. Aston Villa played some good football at the beginning, even managing to surprise Manchester at Old Trafford, but then lost to Tottenham and Wolves, even thou they were leading 2-0 against the team from Black Country. Dean Smith said Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore will be back in the matchday squad after missing time through injury, while Matty Cash has recovered from a dead leg. Bukayo Saka was set to be assessed on Thursday after coming off injured against Crystal Palace on Monday. Mikel Arteta’s only confirmed injury absentee is Granit Xhaka.PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 9Friday: 22:00 Arsenal – Aston VillaSaturday 14:30 Chelsea – Norwich City17:00 Crystal Palace – Newcastle United17:00 Everton – Watford17:00 Leeds United – Wolverhampton17:00 Southampton – Burnley19:30 Brighton & Hove Albion – Manchester CitySunday 16:00 Brentford – Leicester City16:00 West Ham United – Tottenham18:30 Manchester United – Liverpool
