Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez has etched his name into Premier League folklore with a goalline stop so extraordinary it’s been crowned the 2024/25 Save of the Season. The Argentine goalkeeper’s heroics against Nottingham Forest on December 26, 2024, at the City Ground have sparked endless debates, with pundits and fans alike hailing it as one of the greatest saves in the competition’s history. This isn’t just a save—it’s a moment of pure athletic artistry that deserves a deep dive into its brilliance, context, and lasting impact.
The Moment That Defied Physics
Picture the scene: it’s the 59th minute of a tightly contested Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. The score is 0-0, and the home side is piling on the pressure. A pinpoint cross finds Nottingham Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez, who rises above the Villa defense to unleash a powerful, close-range header. The ball rockets toward the bottom corner of the net, destined to break the deadlock. Villa’s defense is caught flat-footed, and Martinez, facing the wrong way after tracking the play, seems to have no chance.
What happens next is nothing short of miraculous. With reflexes that defy human capability, Martinez twists his body, dives backward, and stretches his right arm to its absolute limit. His glove meets the ball just centimeters from crossing the goalline, clawing it away in a split-second act of desperation and brilliance. The City Ground falls silent, then erupts in a mix of disbelief and awe. Referee Samuel Barrott signals for a goal-line technology check, but the verdict is clear: Martinez has kept the ball out by the narrowest of margins.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, commentating on the match, was left speechless before declaring, “That’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen in the Premier League. It’s Gordon Banks-esque.” The comparison to Banks’ iconic 1970 World Cup save against Pelé was no exaggeration—Martinez’s stop was a blend of instinct, athleticism, and sheer willpower that transcended the moment.
The save came at a critical juncture in the match. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, were battling to maintain their strong form in a season that saw them pushing for European qualification. Nottingham Forest, revitalized under Nuno Espirito Santo, were no pushovers, riding a wave of confidence at home. The 0-0 scoreline reflected a tactical chess match, with both sides creating half-chances but struggling to find a breakthrough.
Martinez’s save kept Villa in the game, preserving their chance to take the lead. However, the story of the match didn’t end in Villa’s favor. Despite Martinez’s heroics, Nottingham Forest struck twice late in the game through Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga, securing a 2-1 victory after Ollie Watkins had briefly put Villa ahead. The loss stung, but Martinez’s moment of magic ensured the headlines weren’t solely about Forest’s comeback.
The Award: A Well-Deserved Honor
Martinez’s save didn’t just win hearts—it won accolades. The stop was voted the Premier League’s Save of the Month for December 2024 by fans and experts, beating out other notable efforts from the likes of David Raya and Jordan Pickford. The momentum carried into the end-of-season awards, where it was named the 2024/25 Save of the Season, a testament to its enduring impact. The award, decided by a combination of fan votes and a panel of football experts, recognized Martinez’s save as a moment that stood above all others in a campaign filled with goalkeeping heroics.
This wasn’t Martinez’s first brush with greatness. The 2022 World Cup winner, known for his penalty shootout heroics and commanding presence, has long been regarded as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers. His ability to produce clutch moments—like his save against France’s Randal Kolo Muani in the 2022 World Cup final—has earned him a reputation as a big-game player. The Nottingham Forest save only added to his legend, proving he can deliver under pressure in the Premier League’s cauldron.
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