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Emiliano Martínez made an instant impact for Aston Villa on their Premier League debut by saving a penalty in the first half in a 1-0 win against Sheffield United.
Villa gave away a penalty in the 33rd minute when Matt Targett fouled Chris Basham in the area, but the defender’s blush was spared.
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Emiliano Martínez saved a penalty on his Aston Villa debut
John Lundstram stepped forward to take the penalty, but Martinez lunged to his right and pushed the ball far.
It was the 27-year-old’s first real test after his £ 20 million move from the Gunners and is already proving to be a solid investment.
His good start for Villa was further proof of his case for being one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
It was an eventful first half at Villa Park with the Blades reduced to 10 men in just 12 minutes of play.
Referee Graham Scott showed defender John Egan the red card after fighting Watkins as he tried to grab a long pass from Tyrone Mings, the decision standing after a VAR control.
AFP
John Egan received a direct red card for his foul on Ollie Watkins
The halftime whistle came with both teams still scoreless, but Chris Wilder’s team knew they would go ahead with a difficult 45 minutes with one man down.
Villa finally made the extra player count in the 63rd minute when Ezri Konsa headed over to Aaron Ramsdale.
Targett’s corner was taken advantage of by Tyrone Mings, who today signed a new contract until 2024, where his fellow central defender waited back home.
AFP
Ezri Konsa headed in the only goal of the match for Aston Villa
AFP
Ezri Konsa scored his second Premier League goal for Aston Villa
The goal was enough to give Dean Smith’s team a 1-0 victory in their first Premier League outing of the season.
It was also a second loss of the season for the Blades, but playing 78 minutes with 10 men didn’t help their cause.
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