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Former Aston Villa goalkeeper David James believes Emi Martinez will play a vital role in the club’s attempt to recover from their winless start to the season.

Villa have yet to score in the league after four games, though they had Martinez to thank for avoiding defeat at Everton last weekend, as he pulled off several crucial saves to deny the hosts what would have been a second consecutive victory at their new Hill Dickinson home.

A draw on the opening weekend against Newcastle United was followed by back-to-back defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace.

Then, after a goalless draw at Everton, Villa were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Brentford, having drawn 1-1 in regular time.

Harvey Elliott scored Villa’s first goal of the season before half-tim

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