AN EMI AWARD WINNER
SMITH HAILS VILLA SHUTOUT KING: HE’S PREM NO.1... HOW DID ARSENAL EVER LET US TAKE HIM!
DEAN SMITH takes Emiliano Martinez back to the capital today still scratching his head at how he managed to get him out of London in the first place.
Smith signed Martinez from Arsenal last September in a deal worth £20million – and that has proved to be money very well spent.
The Argentine keeper notched up his 15th clean sheet in 36 league appearances for Villa in Thursday’s 0-0 with Everton – and Villa boss Smith says he should be ranked up there with Manchester City star Ederson.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher plumped for Martinez in goal when he revealed his Premier League team of the season this week.
The shutout against the Toffees saw Martinez match Brad Friedel’s clean-sheet club record for a Prem season, set in Villa’s 2010-11 campaign.
And his late save from Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves Martinez with two games to pass Friedel’s tally.
Smith said: “I didn’t see who Jamie had chosen but I’m pleased Emi’s getting acknowledgement.
“If you look at him last season, he won the FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal.
“He finished the season really well with them and he started this one the same way. We knew what we were getting.
“I was surprised at the time that we could even get him from Arsenal – and I’m still surprised now we actually did.
“Emi has allowed a
Apps 35 progressive team to progress that much faster, if I’m honest.
“Fifteen clean sheets shows you that progress.
“We became a tougher team to beat after Project Restart and have continued it this season – Emi being a big part of that.”
Smith added as a quick quip: “Did Jamie pick Jack Grealish? He should have done!”
The Villa chief, who has a role on the board of the League Managers’ Association, also paid tribute to Crystal Palace counterpart Roy Hodgson who might be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
He praised the 73-yearold former England boss for a stellar career – and Smith hopes younger coaches will be able to tap into Hodgson’s huge experience in years to come.
He added: “I believe there is a Hall of Fame at the LMA – there’s certainly one to celebrate those bosses who have reached 1,000 games – Roy’s in that, I’m sure.
“If he hasn’t been inducted, he will be – he’s had an incredible coaching journey and a long and successful one.
“I’m sure he will be used by the LMA as a mentor – if that’s what Roy wants. All his experience will be invaluable for younger coaches and managers coming into the game.
“I don’t class myself as young anymore – now I’ve just reached 50 – but passing on knowledge to those younger than me would be appreciated.
“As far as I’m aware, it’s not over yet, though.
“He’s certainly been a great servant to the game, no question.”
Mins 3150
Goals Conceded Clean sheets Shots faced Save % Saves Errors leading to goals Passes
41 15 168 75.6 128 1 1056
Passes Success
665
Passing %
63.0