Late Drama at the Etihad
Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on April 22, 2025, bolstering their Champions League qualification hopes. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the seventh minute, only for Marcus Rashford to equalize from 12 yards. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Matheus Nunes scored an unmarked tap-in during the fourth minute of stoppage time, lifting City to third in the Premier League and widening the gap over Villa in the race for the top five.
Martinez Under Scrutiny
Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, faced heavy criticism on social media for his role in Silva’s goal. Fans pointed to a positional error that allowed City’s early lead, questioning the 32-year-old’s recent form. Despite his reputation as a technically gifted goalkeeper, many argued his performances have dipped, with some calling his Yashin awards undeserved and others attributing his fame to Lionel Messi’s influence.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
The online backlash was intense. One supporter remarked that Martinez’s decline is evident compared to his peak, while another dismissed claims of his superiority over Liverpool’s Alisson. A third fan labeled Martinez as one of the most overrated players in sports history, and others questioned the legitimacy of his back-to-back Yashin awards. The sentiment reflects growing skepticism about Martinez’s status as the world’s top goalkeeper.
Emery’s Perspective
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, despite the defeat, praised his team’s competitiveness. He highlighted their strong response after conceding, with Rashford’s goal and solid defending keeping them in the game. Emery expressed pride in Villa’s effort and their fans’ support, emphasizing the importance of securing European qualification through consistent Premier League performances. The loss, however, leaves Villa needing to regroup to maintain their top-five push.
