It was the last night of August, the transfer window was closing the next day and Aston Villa, without their goalkeeper Emi Martinez, were losing 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace. Villa’s third league game of the season was bringing a second loss, following a 1-0 defeat at Brentford. On the opening day Villa had drawn 0-0 with Newcastle. So here were Villa, one point from three matches, no goals and their famous keeper on the brink of departure. “Frustrated,” was the word Unai Emery used repeatedly that night. Martinez’s destination appeared to be Manchester United and his lack of involvement against Palace suggested he wanted the move. But around 20 hours on, United had signed Senne Lammens...
