Martinez Villa's hero in stalemate at Everton
Emiliano Martinez was Aston Villa’s hero as he frustrated Everton in a 0-0 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the Premier League.
Everton dominated from the outset, creating the clearest openings, but when it breached Villa’s stubborn defence, Martinez was on hand to deny it.
Michael Keane headed over the bar early on off a lovely set-piece cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while former Villa star Jack Grealish, who created a game-leading five chances, saw a stinging volley saved by Martinez.
James Garner set up Keane for another header, but the defender failed to find the target before Youri Tielemans nearly turned the ball into his own net off an Everton corner.
Villa absorbed the pressure but offered little in attack, with Emiliano Buendia producing its best chance of the afternoon with a 20-yard strike that deflected off James Tarkowski and looped narrowly wide of the post.
Profligacy in front of goal ultimately cost David Moyes’ side all three points as Martinez made a superb second-half save to tip yet another Keane header over the bar, while the Everton centre-back could have netted the match-winner late on but nodded wide off a Grealish cross.
Villa remains the only Premier League side yet to find the back of the net this season, although Unai Emery's team at least staved off a third straight loss.
