Emery must offer Martinez answers this time

When asked about Emi Martinez before Aston Villa's defeat by Crystal Palace, Unai Emery just repeated one name.

"Bizot, Marco Bizot", he said when asked why Martinez was not in the squad. He then repeated the goalkeeper's name several times when pressed about the Argentina international's situation.

In his pre-Everton news conference at Bodymoor on Friday, the manager is not going to be able to repeat the same trick. He will need to give some answers.

Martinez did not get his desired move to Manchester United on deadline day so Emery has to use his man-management powers to reintegrate him.

The World Cup winner is Villa's best goalkeeper and he must put any disappointment behind him. His reaction will be crucial to whether the fans are willing to accept any of the aspirations he had to move on.

Emery needs Martinez - after a winless start, Villa are already playing catch-up having looked laboured in their opening three games.

The injection of Harvey Elliott, a deadline day signing from Liverpool, could be a masterstroke with the 22-year-old an exceptional player who just needs games.

Jadon Sancho's loan arrival from Manchester United fills a gap, but the England winger has much to prove and Emery needs to become the manager to harness a talent which has drifted.

Emery is due to speak to the media this afternoon - come back to this page later on for all the key lines from the Villa boss