Aston Villa move a ‘step up’ from Arsenal – Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martinez believes his move to Aston Villa from Arsenal was a “step up” as he continues to shine for his new club.

Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in September for a reported £20million.

After keeping a clean sheet as Villa stunned his former club 3-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, Martinez said the switch was a step up in his career.

“When I decided to come to Villa it was because I trusted in the manager’s ambitions, I trusted the club’s ambitions and I knew how big Villa is. People don’t realise how big Aston Villa is,” he told reporters.

“They were all saying it’s a step down in my career and I always said it’s a step up for my career.

“We’re going to have a really good season hopefully, we’re going to keep fighting for every game, for every ball, and hopefully we are in the top 10 in the table.”

Holding a game in hand, Villa are sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Leicester City.

No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than Martinez (four), while his 22 saves ranks equal sixth for most in the league.

Martinez also has a save percentage of 71, which is equal with Leicester City star Kasper Schmeichel and behind only Karl Darlow (74) of goalkeepers with at least 20 saves.

And the 28-year-old is hoping Villa can build on their good start to the season.

“I said since day one my ambition is to be in Europe with Aston Villa,” Martinez said.

“I want to take this club as high as possible and we’re on the right path.”

After the international break, Villa will host Brighton and Hove Albion on November 21.