Tony Adams comments on Arsenal’s decision to sell Emiliano Martinez

Tony Adams has suggested that Arsenal should not have sold Emiliano Martinez to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

The Arsenal legend believes that Martinez is a better goalkeeper than Bernd Leno, who is the first-choice custodian at the Gunners at the moment.

Leno is the number one goalkeeper between the posts for the Gunners, but he got injured in the final weeks of last season.

Martinez was drafted into the starting lineup, and the Argentine was superb, as he made some brilliant saves and also helped the team win the FA Cup.

However, once Leno was back fit, the Germany goalkeeper was given back his place in the starting lineup, and Martinez moved to Villa for £20 million.

Arsenal legend Adams raved about Martinez, and he believes that the Gunners should not have told Martinez.

Adams said on Stadium Astro: “Martinez was incredible in the cup run. He was sensational. What Leno does struggle with, for me, is crosses. Arteta’s gone, ‘No, Leno is my number one, I like him’ and he’s put all his faith in him. But I don’t believe he’s a top-four goalkeeper.

“Martinez was coincidence, everything fell into place for Arsenal in the cup competition last year. This goalkeeper comes in – been at the club for ten years and not played ten games – and he stops everything! 

“He was a man possessed, he was incredible. For me he was the number one… but Arteta’s the man and he’s chosen a different goalkeeper.”

Strong starts

Both Arsenal and Villa have made strong starts to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.

While the Gunners – who are rated at 2/1 by Betfair to end up in the Champions League places this season – are fifth in the Premier League table at the moment with six points from three matches, Villa current find themselves fourth in the standings with six points from two games.