It was an unbelievable night for Argentinian football and one of the reasons behind it was the performance of former Arsenal player Emiliano Martinez.
The keeper emerged as the best in his position during Copa America and helped Lionel Messi win a major international trophy for the first time. It has been an incredible journey for someone who was a back-up at the Emirates not too long ago.
The Gunners chose to place their faith in Bernd Leno which paved the way for Martinez to join Aston Villa. With the Villains, the Argentine shot-stopper had a stellar season ending up as the Premier League goalkeeper of the season.
That excellent form continued into Copa America where the 28-year-old pulled off many impressive performances. None were more crucial than the penalty shootout win over Colombia in the semi-final where Martinez saved a few penalties and was labeled as ‘phenomenon’ by Messi.
After the final, Arsenal fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment at the club for letting the player leave. Here are some of the best reactions:
Emi Martinez is another example of a player leaving Arsenal for success 😭. pic.twitter.com/PZsSgrIzrH
— Zu (@cfc_zu) July 11, 2021
Arsenal preferred Leno over Martinez. Have lost interest in this club.
— Kartel (@albertktel) July 11, 2021
Watching Emi Martinez play brings a tear to my eye knowing he was ours at a point 😢 #ARGBRA
— 𝙼🥀 (@m5_afc) July 11, 2021
I’ll never forgive arteta for choosing leno over martinez..
— Lee (@Uncommon_memer) July 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/1callterro/status/1414038818785800192
https://twitter.com/Hemank_fpl/status/1414059510553927682
Arsenal Fever View
Though it might seem like a mistake at the moment, the north Londoners did think that it was best to move Martinez. After breaking through in the latter half of the 2019/20 season, he wanted to become the first choice.
And since the Gunners already had Leno, who was number one, they decided it would be best to sell the Argentine. And to the player’s credit, he has shined at Villa Park racking up a number of clean sheets and making his way into the national team.
At some level, Arsenal fans will be happy to see Martinez do so well as he was ‘one of their own’. Things could have gone differently but the club made a decision, and they have to stick with it. These passionate reactions are to be expected from the supporters but all they should feel is happiness for the 28-year-old.
Martinez will look back on his time at Arsenal as the period which developed him into a keeper that could win the Copa America and as the celebrations continue tonight, the Gunners may be thinking if they did indeed make the right decision last summer.
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