Emery explains why Martinez could not play against Feyernood and praises Bizot for stepping up | OneFootball

Unai Emery says goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had to withdraw from the starting 11 to face Feyernood because of a calf problem.

Martinez was due to start the Europa League clash, which Villa won 2-0, but pulled out of the warm-up after reporting the injury.

Marco Bizot was his late replacement and kept a clean sheet as goals from Emi Buendia and John McGinn made it two wins from two in Europe for Emery’s men.

Emery praised the performance of Bizot after being called upon at late notice, saying: “They have to be ready, every player,” he told TNT Sports.

“Really fantastic. He’s a really good guy, very good goalkeeper, he’s accepting, completely, his role and he’s performing progressively better.

“Fantastic how he replaced Emi Martinez.”

Emery also hailed the resilience of his side in the win, adding: “We were ready to compete and to be resilient was very important. The test we had today was fantastic.”