Argentina joker Emi Martinez makes gesture to Hugo Lloris as World Cup finalists meet for first time since Qatar
EMI MARTINEZ again consoled Hugo Lloris again as the World Cup final keepers met just two weeks after their shootout drama in Qatar.
But if Martinez was seen as a joker in the Middle East, Lloris was judged by some as a clown at Tottenham Hotspur stadium as his error gifted Aston Villa the opener in a 2-0 win.
Once more, though, the Argentina No1 showed his more sporting side to his rival stopper.
Villa sub Martinez sought out Lloris for a knowing handshake.
Just a fortnight ago, the ex-Arsenal keeper had done the same after Argentina won the World Cup final 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
That epic triumph was thanks in part to Martinez dancing around to distract France's spot-kick takers.
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He then spiced up that controversy with suggestive antics when celebrating with his winner's medal.
But he only had a watching brief this time as Sweden keeper Robin Olsen had a solid game to help Villa ease into mid-table.
It left Spurs fifth as pressure mounts on manager Antonio Conte.
Argentinian winger Emi Buendia punished Lloris' blunder on 50 minutes and Villa's linchpin midfielder Douglas Luiz drilled a neat clincher.
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Martinez was also spotted in the tunnel before kick-off singling out Lloris for their first greeting since returning from Qatar.
But when Lloris slipped up for Buendia's simple goal, Paddy Power couldn't resist a reference to the final in Qatar.
The bookie posted: "I don't know how, but, somehow, Emi Martinez is responsible for sh**housing that mistake out of Hugo Lloris."