'His comeback has been fantastic' - Unai Emery hails Emi Martinez after Aston Villa return following failed Manchester United move

The biggest clue that something was bubbling under the surface came when Martinez was mysteriously axed from Villa’s squad for the clash against Crystal Palace just before the transfer window slammed shut. Emery, a master of keeping his cards close to his chest, flatly refused to explain why his star keeper wasn’t involved. The omission fuelled rumours that a move to Old Trafford was on the brink of being completed. But as the dust settled, the deal collapsed, leaving Martinez to pick up the gloves once again for his current club.  

All eyes were on the Argentine when he strode out at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Villa’s Premier League clash with Everton. Any doubts about his mindset or motivation were quickly answered. The 32-year-old produced a commanding display, snuffing out danger time and again to ensure Villa held on for a hard-fought 0-0 draw. 

Emery wasted no time in making his feelings known after the final whistle. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spaniard poured praise on his keeper and said: "I am so, so happy. We need him. We struggled in his situation, but we have to get [our] feelings together and feel the collective objective. Today, his comeback has been fantastic. We have to protect him and feel him inside the group so he is comfortable and confident. He was fantastic.”    

The attention now quickly shifts to midweek, as Villa prepare for a tricky EFL Cup third-round tie against Brentford. Emery will once again rely on Martinez’s presence to steer his side through what promises to be another test of character.