Yahoo News Villa Park 'hurt Emi Martinez's ears' as Aston Villa goalkeeper reveals change in Jhon Duran
Emiliano Martinez reckons that Villa Park on Wednesday night was the loudest atmosphere he's heard Aston Villa supporters generate as they roared their team on to a memorable Champions League win over German giants Bayern Munich. Martinez produced a string of important saves, none more so than in stoppage time to deny Harry Kane, to ensure Jhon Duran's late goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory.
It's Villa's second win at the beginning of this campaign, in which they're dining at European football's top table for the first time in over 40 years, and they had Argentina number one Martinez to thank as he contributed significantly towards a stunning score-line. The goalkeeper, who has been at Villa since 2020, made no bones about the intention of Villa to finish in the top eight of the newly formatted competition and secure a quarter final place.
For now, he'll just hope the ringing in his ears from standing in front of the Holte End will eventually subside.
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"It's unreal," Martinez told TNT Sport. "It's the loudest Villa Park I've heard since I joined the club, that's for sure. It was hurting my ears at some points! It's a club which is moving forward. It's a reason I extended my stay - I love playing here, I love the fans and this is a good win for them.
"We're committed to defending more in the Champions League, I think we have to transmit that more now into the Premier League. We have conceded some sloppy goals in the Premier League so we need to find the balance. We know we can keep clean sheets."
Martinez also complimented Duran, who came off the bench once again to net his sixth goal already in what has been a blistering start to the season. The young Colombian returned to Bodymoor Heath in the summer with a different mindset to what went before, Martinez revealed.
"Jhon has been on fire," he added. "He came back with a different mentality this season. He's willing to work hard. He's pushing Ollie all the way. They can play together. He's a super sub! One of the first touches he lobs Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in history. We know he plays high, and Duran had that in his mind.
"It's a statement. We want to qualify in the top eight. We have Bologna next at home, we will probably be more relaxed, but we want to win every game. This is a night the fans will remember for a long time, I'm just proud to play for Aston Villa right now."
