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Emiliano Martinez calls on Aston Villa to chase "dream" of European football

Emiliano Martinez has urged Villa to build on Saturday’s win over Arsenal as they continue to chase the “dream” of European football.

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The goalkeeper claims a top six finish is now very much the focus for Dean Smith’s men after a 1-0 victory over the Gunners kept them firmly in contention.

Villa now travel to Brighton this weekend and Martinez said: “Hopefully Saturday’s win gives us a lift and we can now go and get a few wins in a row. That’s our aim.

“We want to finish the season strong. At the start of the season we won four matches in a row and that’s the kind of thing we want to do now.

Ollie Watkins’ 10th Premier League goal of the season was enough to secure victory over the Gunners as Villa quickly bounced back from last week’s disappointing defeat to West Ham.

Martinez continued: “I think Saturday it will give us a boost heading into the last 17 games, with our dream to qualify for Europe.

“We are all dreaming about finishing in the top six. We were a bit disappointed after the West Ham game.

“I thought we were sloppy and didn’t respect them as much as we should have.

“On Saturday everyone responded and we put in an amazing performance, which I’m really delighted about.”

Martinez has now kept 11 clean sheets in 21 matches since joining Villa from Arsenal in a £20million deal last September.

Asked if the shutout meant more against his former club, he replied: No, not really to be honest. Any clean sheet I really enjoy.

“When you keep one against Arsenal it means a bit extra because they are a really good side.

“They are a top six club along with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, so it is always special.

“We just need to keep going. We’ve got 17 games left and I want to keep a few more (clean sheets) to help us qualify for Europe.”

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