Arsenal fans call Emi Martinez a ‘sleeper agent’ as howler after just 63 seconds gives Gunners title race boost
FANS have called Emiliano Martinez a “sleeper agent” after his blunder against Liverpool gave Arsenal a boost in the title race.
The Aston Villa star had a howler just 63 seconds into the match against the Reds as he gifted the visitors the lead.
Martinez, 31, failed to get hold of a cross from Harvey Elliot before inadvertently knocking it into his own goal.
Should Liverpool win the match at Villa Park, then it would give Tottenham hope of a top-four finish.
This would boost Arsenal‘s title hopes as Spurs face title rivals Manchester City tomorrow night.
This is because Spurs will have more reason to try and beat City despite a win potentially making the Gunners title favourites ahead of the last day of the season.
And fans were quick to react on social media.
One posted: “After four years, sleeper agent Martinez has finally been activated.”
A second wrote: “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
A third commented: “Emi Martinez understands the assignment as a former Arsenal player.”
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A fourth said: “Ex-Arsenal keeper Emi Martinez dropping the ball in his net to give Spurs a chance at the Champions League, meaning they have to give it a go against Man City??? Ohhh, hello, narrative.”
Another added: “Martinez lowkey wants Arsenal to win the League. You know what I mean.”
Regardless of the results this week, the title race will go down to the final day of the season.
Arsenal host Everton and Man City welcome West Ham.
Should City beat Spurs, then the Gunners will need the Hammers to get a result at the Etihad.
However, if City lose to Ange Postecoglou‘s side then Arsenal will only have to match their rivals on the final day of the season due to their superior goal difference.
Martinez’s blushes were spared as Youri Tielemans equalised for the hosts ten minutes later.
However, Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s lead with a tap in the 23rd minute.
Villa should have been level again but Diego Carlos produced the miss of the century from just a yard out.
Mikel Arteta's striker shopping list
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
Dutch wonder is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.