When Bernd Leno went down with a serious knee injury in the Brighton and Albion match, Mikel Arteta turned to 27-year-old Emiliano Martinez to step in between the pipes. And, to no one’s surprise, the Argentinian has done a marvelous job. The Gunners have won all four of the games he has started, with clean sheets in all three of Emi’s Premier League performances.
Arteta told Arsenal.com, “That’s what he has been trying to do for a long period at the club. He’s been very respectful and very patient and now that he has the opportunity. he is grabbing it.”
Martinez has been with Arsenal since 2010, and has totaled more than 50 appearances in his professional career, however, his time on the pitch for Arsenal has been limited due to the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny, Peter Cech, David Ospina and Bernd Leno standing ahead of the talented keeper. Now, Emi has his chance not only to see out the end of this season, but will probably remain the primary stopper through the start of next season as well due to the long rehab ahead for Leno.
Standing at 6′ 5″, Martinez has shown terrific leaping ability, real confidence and a good nose for the ball. He is making solid decisions, while keeping clean sheets, and will no doubt give Leno a real challenge for the #1 keeper spot when the German returns to training down the road.
But for now, Arsenal is really happy to have Emiliano Martinez in goal, as tomorrow presents another big test for #26 when Jamie Vardy comes to town!
Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!
Gunner1953
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