“Chelsea were too good for us to handle” – Emery reveals one man who save Aston Villa from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Unai Emery was delighted with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, as Villa fought to draw 0-0 with Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Argentine shot-stopper was in formidable form as he made a number of superb saves to keep out Chelsea’s attack.
Martinez’s stand-out performance helped Villa earn themselves a replay at Villa Park, as both sides were frustrated at Stamford Bridge. Emery could not hide his enthusiasm for his number one keeper.
“He was fantastic. We needed him tonight and in the first half he was amazing, in the second half as well. He saved us after some very clear chances for them”, said Emery.
“We needed him today and I think we have to try to stop the opponent before getting to our goal like the end. We needed him and of course, we are very happy and we have confidence.
“We are confident with him and after struggling in the first half, we tried to get more opportunities to control the game like we did in the second half.”
The goals have dried up of late for Villa, scoring just one goal in their last three games.
This was something that concerned Emery, who insisted the mentality could be better.
“Yes, but we have to be consistent in our mentality and it is a process”, said the Villa boss.
“We are building a team and we are still working a lot of things to improve and we have to feel strong in our structure and feel in our commitment strong and everybody ready to play and help, be demanding
too.
“The results, scoring goals and conceding less goals, we have to try in the second part of the season to take on a great challenge for us and I am excited.
“I am excited being demanding and knowing it will be very difficult and this is a message to the supporters, to the players and for everybody.”