Emi Martinez

[brontebilly]

Is there a decent backup keeper even in the PL (one who is definitely good enough to be a starting PL keeper at a different club)? I'm struggling to think of one (yes, I'm including Olsen 😂).

If that's the criteria you're using then I reckon a few would get in over Bazunu at Southampton or Ward at Leicester.

Dubravka, Kelleher, Areola, Butland, Johnstone. Maybe Strakosha. One of the Chelsea guys as you said.

Navas / Henderson if you count that at Forest, which I probably wouldn't as they're both loans and they'll only keep one of them (if they stay up)

Bazunu has had a difficult season but doesn't belong in same conversation as Ward or the others. I rated Johnstone very highly when he was with us, sad he gave up regular football to be a backup somewhere.

[Dave]

Is there a decent backup keeper even in the PL (one who is definitely good enough to be a starting PL keeper at a different club)? I'm struggling to think of one (yes, I'm including Olsen 😂).

If that's the criteria you're using then I reckon a few would get in over Bazunu at Southampton or Ward at Leicester.

Dubravka, Kelleher, Areola, Butland, Johnstone. Maybe Strakosha. One of the Chelsea guys as you said.

Navas / Henderson if you count that at Forest, which I probably wouldn't as they're both loans and they'll only keep one of them (if they stay up)

Bazunu has had a difficult season but doesn't belong in same conversation as Ward or the others.

Given it's the first time he's played at a level higher than League One and has been pretty terrible, I'd be curious as to why you're so sure of that.

Assuming you're suggesting he's better than the others listed, of course.

[paul_e]

Bazunu looks like he's been promoted a couple of years too soon. He has a lot of natural talent but makes a lot of stupid mistakes and is a big part of why they're in danger of going down.

[LeeB]

Is there a decent backup keeper even in the PL (one who is definitely good enough to be a starting PL keeper at a different club)? I'm struggling to think of one (yes, I'm including Olsen 😂).

If that's the criteria you're using then I reckon a few would get in over Bazunu at Southampton or Ward at Leicester.

Dubravka, Kelleher, Areola, Butland, Johnstone. Maybe Strakosha. One of the Chelsea guys as you said.

Navas / Henderson if you count that at Forest, which I probably wouldn't as they're both loans and they'll only keep one of them (if they stay up)

Bazunu has had a difficult season but doesn't belong in same conversation as Ward or the others.

Given it's the first time he's played at a level higher than League One and has been pretty terrible, I'd be curious as to why you're so sure of that.

Assuming you're suggesting he's better than the others listed, of course.

Bazanu is one of Ireland's bright young things, they've been boggin' for ages now don't kill the man's hope.

[danno]

I think I take the guy for granted, I expected him to save that free kick if it beat the wall.

[Rory]

I think I take the guy for granted, I expected him to save that free kick if it beat the wall.

To be fair, a top level 'keeper should be saving that, but like with most things, good god didn't he make it look great. And that is of huge value.

Your 'keeper makes a save, okay, he got you off the hook. Phew.

Your 'keeper makes a save look insane, then gets straight up, hugs his defenders, gets on with organising things for the corner. That's different.

That's a leader.

I have no doubt Emi is the best in the world.

[OCD]

He equalled Bosnich's and Friedel's record of 33 Premier League clean sheets yesterday, having played 99 league games. He needs a clean sheet away at Chelsea to take the record outright.

[PaulWinch again]

Bazunu looks like he's been promoted a couple of years too soon. He has a lot of natural talent but makes a lot of stupid mistakes and is a big part of why they're in danger of going down.

That’s their problem in general. They’ve signed some really talented youngsters but they haven’t got the blend right.

[oldhill_avfc]

Just to let anyone know who might be interested in a bit of Emi memorabillia. 

He’s donating loads of signed kit - including boots and gloves, for auction in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge.  He did the same last year along with other Villa, Albion and wolves players when around £10k was raised.  This year’s auction will be in a few weeks time at Stourbridge football club.

Amazingly, he’s included some World Cup match worn items (semi final I think), but these may go to a separate sports specialist auction to get the best price, but if anyone is interested on here the Hospice is open to offers. 

Not wishing to put anyone off, but I think he raised £45k when he recently gave away his World Cup final gloves for charity (info from the Mary Stevens fund raising team so can’t vouch for it), so serious offers only.

[Drummond]

from Villa Twitter.

"My career went through the roof since I joined the club.

"I've always said I'm grateful for this club, I love being here and my family is happy."

[Drummond]

Also.....

'....my boys are in the Under 6 Academy too....'

'..hopefully for years to come..'

[Risso]

Worth pointing out that he's now very unlikely to receive a ban for ten yellow cards before game week 33, unless he gets booked in each of the next 5 games.

[Drummond]

Good point. I'd also like to point out that what a lot of people say is timewasting is just a case of slowing the tempo and maintaining possession, allowing the team to get in position.

[Risso]

Good point. I'd also like to point out that what a lot of people say is timewasting is just a case of slowing the tempo and maintaining possession, allowing the team to get in position.

Although he does seem to do a bit less of that 'slowing the tempo' when we're 3-0 up!

[Toronto Villa]

from Villa Twitter.

"My career went through the roof since I joined the club.

"I've always said I'm grateful for this club, I love being here and my family is happy."

https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1637786564565803011?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag

Clearly hates Emery, the club and city and is dying to leave at the first opportunity. Or in fact none of those.