|
Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could remain in goal for Monday's game against Crystal Palace as Petr Cech and David Ospina recover from injuries, Arsene Wenger has said. Martinez kept a clean sheet in Wednesday's 3-0 win over West Ham, his first Premier League start in more than two years, but had little to do until making two late saves. Martinez was called into action after Ospina suffered an abdominal injury, with Cech already sidelined with a calf problem. And Wenger said the 24-year-old could see more playing time. "He might get the next game. And after we'll see. It's as well down to performances," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "He gave me the feeling that he is comfortable. I knew he could make these kinds of saves because I see him every day in training. "But to transfer that into a game under pressure is different. He gave you just the feeling that it's natural for him to be there. And that is maybe even more important than his performance tonight. He can deal with the pressure." Martinez said he was told on Monday that he would be playing, giving him plenty of time to prepare for his first match since Arsenal's EFL Cup loss to Southampton in November. "It's good to know that you're playing so you prepare mentally for the game [especially] when you're in after five, six months since having played against Southampton," Martinez added. "I think I'm ready. I'm old enough, I'm experienced enough. And I think I've done my job well today." Martinez signed a long-term contract extension this season, and Wenger has previously said he could be the club's future No. 1. He could become Cech's main backup next season, with Ospina linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer. This was his first Premier League game since December 2014, but Martinez said he comfortable on the big stage. "I'm more experienced now than before. The boss has always backed me up as well. He said at the beginning of the season that he's got three world class goalkeepers. When I come onto the pitch, I try to show him that I'm world class as well," he said.
|
