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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross & Tom Blow

Emiliano Martinez benching explained by Unai Emery after World Cup controversy

Unai Emery has insisted Emiliano Martinez is still Aston Villa's No.1 despite making the Argentina keeper wait for his return.

Robin Olsen started in Villa’s win at Tottenham while Martinez - who only returned to training on Friday - was on the bench after his World Cup heroics. Villa boss Emery said: "Emi is very important and he is the number one. Robin knows his role and he’s very positive as a person. Matches like today, when we need his performance knowing he achieved it.

"This was our plan. We prepared first Emi to rest for some days after the World Cup, and with Robin we are working and trying to give him confidence, and the confidence is when you can show on the pitch and play matches like today.

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