Analysis: Emi Martinez heroics keep ruthless Aston Villa rolling with Wolves derby win
The odds on Emi Martinez being Villa’s best player in Sunday’s derby were probably as long as Wolves winning the match.
Yet without the first thing, the second might well have come to pass on a day which was far tougher for Unai Emery’s team than many might have expected.
Their eighth straight home win in all competitions was arguably the hardest-earned, owing much to the agility of their goalkeeper before Boubacar Kamara produced the afternoon’s one moment of attacking magic.
By the finish, there were only smiles and big celebrations in front of the Holte End from Amadou Onana and captain John McGinn, the latter having been honoured for his 300th appearance with a giant tifo which hung off the huge stand before kick-off.
No matter the method, Villa just know how to win. This was their 11th in 13 matches and set them up nicely for a big first week of what has the potential to be a big old December.
Should they carry on the winning streak at Brighton on Wednesday night and then at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal, it will be impossible not to ask Emery and his players about a possible title challenge.
They will no doubt have to perform significantly better than Sunday if those victories are to be achieved, though credit should also go to Wolves for their own much-improved display.
