Aston Villa's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been given a stark reminder of the evolving demands of his position following costly errors in recent Premier League matches.
High-Profile Mistakes Prompt Extra Training
Martinez's uncertainty when dealing with crosses led directly to goals conceded in consecutive games against Chelsea and Arsenal. In both matches, Villa conceded early from corners where the Argentine goalkeeper appeared hesitant. While his team managed a famous comeback to win at Stamford Bridge, they were soundly beaten 4-1 by the title-chasing Gunners at home.
In response, the 31-year-old has undertaken additional specialist coaching at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground. He is focusing intensely on improving his command of the penalty area and his decision-making when dealing with high balls into the box.
Emery's Stark Warning on Modern Goalkeeping
Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a fascinating insight into the changing landscape for goalkeepers. He believes match officials are now far less likely to penalise attacking players for challenging or impeding the goalkeeper during set-pieces.
"In the future, we will need 'keepers at 2 metres 20 centimetres," Emery remarked. "Maybe we need to get boxing gloves. He's working with the goalkeeper coach about how football is changing. It is changing in the way referees interpret these situations."
Emery explained that Martinez, usually so dominant in his area, is facing new challenges. "When the opponents are pushing or blocking, the referees are more or less being soft in their decision about how they want to manage it," he stated. "At set pieces players are touching the 'keepers, they are pushing the 'keepers and it is not a foul. It's becoming more difficult."
Implications for Villa's Crucial Clash
This period of adjustment for Martinez comes at a critical time for Villa's season. The defeat to Arsenal left them six points behind their rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.
Martinez's recent vulnerabilities will undoubtedly have been studied by Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, whose team visit Villa Park this Saturday. Dyche's sides are historically proficient at applying pressure from set-pieces, making this a key tactical battleground.
The match will be officiated by referee Simon Hooper, whose interpretation of the physical battles in the penalty area will be under intense scrutiny from both dugouts. Emery has indicated that while Villa could adopt similar aggressive tactics, the immediate focus is on adapting and improving their own defensive resilience.
The coming weeks will test whether Martinez and Villa can successfully adapt to what Emery sees as a fundamental shift in how the game is being refereed at the highest level.
