Unai Emery hails Marco Bizot after late call as Emi Martinez feels calf pain | OneFootball

Unai Emery praised Marco Bizot after he was thrust into Sunday's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Bizot started at the City Ground with around 20 minutes' notice after Emi Martinez withdrew in the warm-up, the third such incident this season.

The 35-year-old, signed from Brest last summer, made key saves from Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White as Villa claimed a point in their push for Champions League football.

Martinez has grappled with a calf problem at times this season and again reported pain in the warm-up. Emery said the keeper felt uncomfortable and in pain, and he highlighted how Bizot responded to the late change.

The head coach hailed Bizot's readiness, calling him experienced, intelligent and a fantastic goalkeeper.

Martinez also dropped out of wins at Feyenoord and Brighton earlier in the season after reporting pain in the warm-up, and Bizot replaced him at half-time in January's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

Asked if he could still depend on the Argentina international, Emery said his only focus was to try to have a good response.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com