Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on Arsenal 's decision to sell goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine, 28, made his Aston Villa debut on Monday night and instantly became a favourite at Villa Park, saving John Lundstram's first-half penalty.
That penalty save kept Villa well and truly in the game and allowed Ezri Konsa to grab the winner for his side late on.
“I have been so impressed with him,” said Carragher as he spoke to Sky Sports. "I actually thought Mikel Arteta had a real decision to make with the return from injury with Leno but, obviously, if you can get good money for your back-up goalkeeper [then sell].
“I don’t think there was too much between Leno, before the injury, and Martinez’s performances afterwards, really.
"More often than not, when a team brings in the back-up goalkeeper, it will really affect them, but it didn’t with Arsenal and they had a great end to the season."
Martinez's end to the 2019-20 season, after waiting so patiently for his chance at Arsenal, was eye-catching.
After making only 11 appearances in the eight years prior, the former Wolves loanee turned out 23 times for the Gunners last term.
That was enough for Dean Smith to swoop, landing him in a deal said to be worth up to £20million - and Carragher says they may well have landed one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
“He looked like one of the best number two goalkeepers in the league really," Carragher continued. "That’s what has really opened Aston Villa’s eyes to bring him into the club. He was fantastic.
“They had problems in the goalkeeping position. Lots of different goalkeepers at different times – but in Martinez, if you go off his form towards the end of last season, he’s been one of the best goalkeepers in the league.”
