Aston Villa's heavy 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on December 31, 2025, was compounded by a fiery post-match incident involving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and a section of Arsenal supporters.
Tunnel Tensions Erupt After Heavy Defeat
As Martinez made his way towards the dressing rooms following the final whistle, he became embroiled in a heated verbal confrontation with home fans. Video footage circulating online captured the moment the Argentine international spun around to respond to taunts from the crowd.
One supporter was clearly heard shouting, "You're rattled! F*** off, f*** off, f*** off! He's so rattled. Wakey wakey." Other fans quickly joined in, leading to an incensed reaction from the Villa keeper. A member of the Villa backroom staff was forced to intervene, ushering the 33-year-old down the tunnel to defuse the situation.
A Relationship Soured Over Time
This was far from the first time Martinez has faced hostility from the Arsenal faithful since his £20 million departure to Villa in 2020, ending a decade-long association with the North London club. The relationship has steadily deteriorated due to a combination of perceived slights and on-field antics.
Upon his first return to the Emirates with Villa in 2021, fans greeted him with chants of "Aaron Ramsdale, he's better than you." With Ramsdale himself now departed, those taunts have been updated to reference current Arsenal number one David Raya.
Martinez has often spoken warmly about his time at Arsenal, stating he still "loves" the club. However, his candid reflections on his limited opportunities—making just 38 appearances across 10 years—have rankled with some supporters.
Comments That Fuelled the Fire
In a 2021 interview with Sky Sports ahead of a match against his former club, Martinez explained his decision to leave. "I just felt like they didn't trust me like they should have," he said. "When I was on a high, I still felt like they didn't deserve me because of the way they were treating me. They couldn't guarantee me the games I needed."
He described the move away as a "step up," a phrase some Arsenal fans interpreted as a direct slight, though he likely meant progressing to become a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.
Another interview, in which he revealed his initial move to Arsenal in 2010 was primarily motivated by financial necessity to help his family, also contributed to the sense of disconnect for some supporters.
On-Field Antics Compound the Issue
Beyond his words, Martinez's actions on the pitch have further eroded his standing. His reputation for employing time-wasting tactics and gamesmanship, particularly in matches against Arsenal, has turned previous affection into animosity.
The cumulative effect of his interviews and his perceived provocative style of play has transformed a once-warm relationship with the Gunners' fanbase into a deeply fractious one, culminating in the tunnel confrontation after a disappointing night for Villa.
Unai Emery's side, who had been applying pressure to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table, will now regroup for a home match against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to face Bournemouth in their next Premier League fixture.
