Emiliano Martinez: Aston Villa Goalkeeper Sets Unwanted EPL Record After Howler vs Liverpool

• Emiliano Martinez had a night to forget against Liverpool
• He ended up setting an unwanted record in the process
• His blunder nearly ended Aston Villa's European dreams

Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, made an unfortunate entry into the Premier League record books during his team's crucial game against Liverpool on May 13.

A costly error from the controversial Argentine shot-stopper marked a disastrous start for Villa in their all-important league showdown against the Reds at Villa Park.

Unai Emery's squad understood that a victory would secure their spot in next season's UEFA Champions League, and the home fans were in full voice to support their team.

However, the jubilant atmosphere quickly turned sour as Martinez, typically reliable, mishandled Harvey Elliot's seemingly innocuous cross from the right, allowing it to slip into his own net within just two minutes of kickoff.

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Despite the 31-year-old's frantic attempts to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line, Dibu then inadvertently diverted it into the net, GOAL reports.

Emi Martinez sets unwanted Premier League record

In the process, the 2022 World Cup winner earned a regrettable distinction in the annals of English football.

According to Opta Statistics, the former Arsenal custodian has conceded three own goals in his Premier League career, setting a record for the most own goals conceded by a goalkeeper in the league's history.

Moreover, the Argentine keeper's own goal, which occurred 61 seconds into the match, is the earliest own goal in a Premier League game since Antolin Alcaraz's error after only 54 seconds for Everton against Southampton in April 2014.

What happened after Martinez's howler?

Sports Brief also reported that Villa appeared destined for a fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions after Martinez's own goal and strikes from Cody Gakpo and Jarrell Quansah put the visitors ahead.

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However, substitute Jhon Duran's brace brought Unai Emery's side closer to securing a UEFA Champions League spot for the first time since 1983, in what would be Klopp's last away game Liverpool's manager.

With Villa holding an eight-goal advantage in goal difference, a draw at Crystal Palace will be more than enough, even if Tottenham secure victories in their final two matches against Man City and Sheffield United.