Everything moves very quickly in football. Sorry for this good old cliché, but it fits perfectly with the week that Emiliano Martinez has just experienced. Monday evening, the Argentinian received the Yachine Trophy in Paris, in a somewhat hostile atmosphere, an hour before the officialization of the 8th Ballon d’Or won by his compatriot Lionel Messi.
This award, named after the famous Soviet goalkeeper of the 1960s, crowns the best goalkeeper of the year. This Sunday, change of atmosphere: the world champion lost with his club Aston Villa on the lawn of Nottingham Forest (2-0), in the Premier League.
Randal Kolo Muani’s worst nightmare in particular was completely missed on the second goal conceded, after returning from the locker room (48th). Martinez relaxed to his right to block a shot from Belgian attacking midfielder Orel Mangala with his opposite hand.
Unfortunate rebound
However, the ball then bounced and crossed the goal line before the goalkeeper pushed it away. Despite this setback, Aston Villa is in a good fifth place in the English championship at the end of this 11th day.