Peter Crouch has criticised Arsenal’s decision to sell Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa, suggesting it is becoming ‘even more confusing’ as the season goes on.
The Argentinian was allowed to leave the Emirates at the start of the season, despite impressing in place of the injured Bernd Leno after ‘Project Restart’.
Martinez, who had spent a decade with the club, helped the Gunners to win the FA Cup and Community Shield, with an expectation he would have a shot at the No.1 shirt.
However, Mikel Arteta opted to stick with Leno and after candid talks with Martinez, it was decided he would sign for Villa.
At the time, he described the move as a ‘step up’, an assessment which has been validated with two wins over his former employers this season.
The 28-year-old has been in fine form for Villa this season, keeping 11 clean sheets in just 21 Premier League games.
Two of those shutouts have come against Arsenal, including in his side’s 1-0 win at Villa Park last weekend.
Ironically, Arsenal were without their first choice for the visit to the Midlands, with Maty Ryan making his debut.
Ollie Watkins’ goal was the difference between the two teams and while Crouch was full of praise for Villa, he did question the wisdom of sanctioning Martinez's exit.
“What impressed me was how solid they looked,” he told Mail Sport. “I’m impressed by Ezri Konsa, who is blossoming into one of the finest young central defenders in the division.
“Tyrone Mings continues to improve and they were given fantastic protection by John McGinn and Douglas Luiz.
“The signing of Emi Martinez, meanwhile, has been critical. I couldn’t understand why Arsenal sold him and I was even more confused by that decision on Saturday.
“He was in possession of the jersey, he had won the FA Cup, so why let him go?
“Also, are any of Arsenal’s keepers better than him? I’d say no.”
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