Unai Emery admits the 'dream' scenario he manifested in Aston Villa's win at Fulham

Emery has revealed he was sat on the sideline manifesting Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s penalty save before it even happened.

The score was 1-1 at the time Andreas Pereira was denied from the spot by an excellent diving stop from Martinez. That moment seemed to be the turning point of the entire encounter as Villa gained confidence to assert authority thereafter.

Emery, visibly delighted during the post-match press conference, said: “Emi Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world and it means that we need him in moments like today. I was sitting in the bench and I was dreaming his save! He did it.”

It’s not the first time this season Martinez has shone for Villa as the World Cup winner made several point-blank range stops in the memorable 1-0 win over Bayern Munich. The Argentine was also superb in the recent 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

Martinez wasn’t the only Villa player to have a decisive impact at Craven Cottage, though. Ollie Watkins scored a clinical header to make it 2-1 and also made the excellent run in behind to prompt Joachim Andersen’s straight red card.

Emery was equally as delighted with his striker as he was his goalkeeper. “Watkins is being consistent working tactically defensively and offensively, creating chances too. He had a chance in the first half, but Leno made a fantastic save. Watkins then scored a fantastic goal,” the head coach added.

It’s not long until Emery can enjoy another showing from Martinez and Watkins as Villa play host to Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.