EMI MARTINEZ IN FURIOUS ARSENAL TUNNEL INCIDENT AS ASTON VILLA STAFF FORCED TO STEP IN

Emiliano Martinez was held back after a heated tunnel incident following Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Aston Villa as the goalkeeper responded to taunts from home fans

Martinez is ushered down the tunnel after being goaded by Arsenal fans(Image: @jaikes12/X)

Emiliano Martinez had to be restrained as he became involved in a heated tunnel confrontation following Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates.

It turned out to be a frustrating evening for Martinez on his sixth return to Arsenal, having spent a decade at the club before departing to join Villa in September 2020. The Argentina international shipped four goals in 30 devastating second-half minutes as the Gunners demolished Villa to send a statement in this season's Premier League title race.

Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the 48th minute before Martin Zubimendi doubled the advantage shortly afterwards. Leandro Trossard then extended the lead to three before Gabriel Jesus put the finishing touches on the scoreline to net Arsenal's fourth. Ollie Watkins managed to grab a consolation for Unai Emery's Villa in added time but it proved far too little too late. As Arsenal rampaged through the second half, Martinez appeared increasingly agitated.

Emiliano Martinez endured an evening to forget as he shipped four goals to Arsenal(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

His temper certainly wouldn't have been soothed when "you're just a s*** David Raya" rang out from the Arsenal supporters in his direction.

While Martinez seemed to maintain his composure on the field, his emotions got the better of him as he made his way down the tunnel after a clash with the home crowd.

"You're rattled! F*** off, f*** off, f*** off! He's so rattled. Wakey wakey!' an Arsenal supporter could be heard shouting at Martinez. Martinez, clearly incensed, was seen retaliating to the Arsenal fans' taunts and had to be escorted down the tunnel before things could escalate further.

During his decade-long stint at Arsenal, Martinez made 38 first-team appearances, with 23 of those in his final full season in north London. When Bernd Leno was sidelined due to injury, the Argentine stepped up, helping the Gunners clinch the FA Cup in August 2020 with some key saves in their 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the final.

However, just a few weeks later, Martinez was sold as he sought more regular playtime, which Villa provided under Dean Smith's management. The former Reading and Wolves loanee has since spent over five years in the West Midlands, playing in more than 200 matches across all competitions.

Internationally, Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina's World Cup triumph in December 2022. He won the tournament's Golden Glove award after maintaining three clean sheets throughout the Qatar competition and has been named FIFA's Best Men's goalkeeper twice.

Next on the agenda for Villa and Martinez is a home match against struggling Nottingham Forest this Saturday.

As for Arsenal, they're off to Bournemouth in an attempt to widen their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently five points ahead of second-place Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

- Kieran King