Arsenal succumbed to defeat of their Europa League remaining 16 tie towards Sporting CP on Thursday night, and it wrecked the golf equipment possibilities of profitable just a second-ever primary European honour.
What makes it even worse is the tie dragged on for 120 mins, ahead of the Portuguese aspect prevailed on consequences to succeed in the quarter-finals.
The first 3 efforts from either side had been transformed ahead of Gabriel Martinelli overlooked Arsenal’s fourth penalty ahead of Nuno Santos scored the profitable effort, and it method the Gunners can now divert all their consideration to profitable the Premier League.
Might the shootout have long past in a distinct route had a former goalkeeper for the membership been between the sticks? With Emiliano Martinez, anything else is conceivable that’s needless to say.
What is Emiliano Martinez previously?
Well, the Argentinian has had rather the adventure since leaving Arsenal which culminated in him playing the event of his existence on the 2022 World Cup, the place he now not most effective performed an enormous phase in his nation winning the contest, however he additionally secured the Golden Glove award for easiest goalkeeper.
Arsene Wenger signed him for the membership again in 2010, and he persevered mortgage spells at six other golf equipment right through his spell at Arsenal. The 30-year-old made simply 38 appearances for the primary crew throughout his close to decade-long stint and joined Aston Villa for £20m in 2020.
His penalty document is superb, and he may have saved Arsenal from defeat towards Sporting. He has saved ten consequences in his profession and his heroics in penalty shootouts for his nation have been glorious.
Indeed, he saved two consequences towards the Netherlands within the World Cup quarter-final, ahead of denying France’s Kingsley Coman within the last.
During Argentina’s Copa America victory in 2021, Martinez saved 3 of Colombia’s 5 consequences and right through his profession, he has confronted 24 consequences in aggressive shootouts and has saved six of them, a good fortune charge of 25%.
He is valued at €25m (£22m) by way of the CIES Football Observatory whilst former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta described him as “crazy” following his efficiency towards the Netherlands in Qatar.
Of path, that is all conjecture, however having any person just like the Villa sensation in purpose for the an important penalty shootout on Thursday night may have unnerved a number of the opposition avid gamers no finish, particularly together with his contemporary antics.
It wasn’t to be for Arsenal, but the defeat may neatly be a blessing in hide as a primary league crown since 2003/2004 may simply be a couple of quick weeks away.