Arteta says Chelsea made 'really smart decision' to sign 'world-class' star
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Chelsea made a really smart decision by signing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.
Xabi Alonso’s side travel to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday’s Premier League derby, and it promises to be an entertaining encounter.
The Blues are on a dreadful run against the Gunners with no wins in the last 11 meetings. Arsenal have won eight of them (three draws).
At his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked about whether he was surprised by Chelsea’s decision to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.
In response, the Spanish tactician said the 34-year-old was a top goalkeeper from his time at Arsenal, and the Blues made a ‘really smart decision’ in signing him.
He said (via Arsenal.com): “No. Obviously, I know Emi really well. So we had him here as a top goalkeeper. It’s clear what he’s going to bring to the team, and I think it’s a really smart decision.”
Arsenal have had a dominating record against the Blues over the last five years. They are unbeaten in 11 competitive games, with their last defeat coming at the Emirates in August 2021.
Despite this, the upcoming derby could represent a sterner challenge. Chelsea have become a better attacking unit under Alonso, scoring seven goals in their first two league matches.
Their defence, of course, continues to remain a weakness with five goals conceded, and this is something Arteta will be keen to capitalise upon when the clubs meet in north London tomorrow.
Martinez has been on the right end of multiple wins for Villa against Arsenal in the past. The goalkeeper, described as ‘world-class‘ by John Terry, tends to step up when he faces his former club.
The Argentine still has some weaknesses. He is not the best from crosses into the box, while he has the occasional knack for making errors with his short-range distribution on the high press.
Arsenal will be eyeing a sixth-straight win over Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post Arteta says Chelsea made 'really smart decision' to sign 'world-class' star first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
