Emi Martinez commits howler after doing ‘silly thing he always does’ as Joao Pedro scores for Chelsea in bizarre fashion
EMI MARTINEZ caught some flack after Joao Pedro was gifted Chelsea’s opener against Aston Villa.
The Blues hosted Unai Emery‘s high-flying side in Saturday’s teatime kick-off.
Sign up for the newsletter
Thank you!
Emi Martinez was rooted to his lineCredit: Sky Sports
Chelsea scored an easy opening goalCredit: Sky Sports
In the 36th minute, Chelsea skipper Reece James floated an in-swinging corner into the six-yard box.
Forward Joao Pedro was allowed to subtly touch the ball from barely a yard out, with Emery certain to be seething at the cheap nature of the goal.
Rather than acting decisively, 6ft 5in Martinez was rooted to his line.
The Argentine, 33, had flung compatriot Enzo Fernandez into the back of the goal as the cross came in.
LIVERPOOL 2 WOLVES 1
Wirtz finally bags first goal as Reds survive scare to go fifth
URN-ING A FORTUNE
Australia vs England tips: Odds and predictions for 4th Ashes Test match
He then briefly tried to wrestle with Pedro, before being meekly beaten.
Martinez slumped on the turf as the ball nestled in the net, but there had been no hint of a foul.
The stopper’s role in Chelsea’s opener did not go unnoticed.
One fan wrote on social media: “Emi Martinez doing that silly thing where he grabs an opponent on a set piece then throws himself to the ground to con the officials into giving him a freekick.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Martinez was powerless to prevent Chelsea’s openerCredit: AFP
The Argentine, 33, shoved Enzo Fernandez into the goalCredit: Sky Sports
“Good to see him concede a goal & the ref not falling for his antics.”
While a second asked: “Why is Emi Martinez never bothered about trying to get the ball when a corner comes in? Always too busy fighting with opposition players. Seems like every time a team puts a corner right on top of him it ends up in the net.”
A third fumed: “Emi Martinez needs to stop focussing on players at corners ffs.”
And another added: “Emi Martinez wasting his time pushing players rather than focusing on the ball. Simple tactic for every team if he’s that easy to distract.”
Martinez wrestled with Pedro moments before the goalCredit: Sky Sports
Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer shown up by Morgan Rogers with Reece James’ commanding display one of few positives
MORGAN ROGERS settled the ‘Rogers vs Palmer debate’ pretty decisively with an assist and victory on the Chelsea No10’s home turf.
Chance-laden Chelsea were totally dominant from the off, before getting their reward for such superiority through Joao Pedro’s opener just eight minutes before half-time.
A Blues corner looked as though Reece James had scored an Olimpico, before replays confirmed to a slightly disappointed James (and gleaming Pedro) that it had hit the Brazilian’s calf on the way in.
Robert Sanchez may as well have got stuck into some festive reading for the first 45 minutes, with Rogers labelled a ‘S*** Cole Palmer‘ before half-time by the Chelsea fans.
The Villa No27, though, left his London critics blue in the face with a second-half assist for Ollie Watkins‘ equaliser.
Find out how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Blues here…
