Unai Emery attempted to sweep aside any issues with Emiliano Martinez by insisting again that the Aston Villa goalkeeper is the world’s No1.
The Argentina goalkeeper was keen to leave Villa throughout the summer and was left out of the 3-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace on August 31, amid interest from Manchester United.
United decided instead to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Martinez stayed where he is.
If there is any lingering tension, Emery did his best to dismiss it ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Everton, where Villa will look for their first win and first goal of the season.