Robin Olsen often faces criticism, but the Aston Villa goalkeeper proved his worth with a commanding display against Brentford on Saturday.

When news broke that Olsen would start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez, many Villa fans groaned. However, the Swede rose to the occasion, keeping a crucial clean sheet to secure a vital 1-0 win. Ollie Watkins’ deflected strike in the 49th minute sealed the victory, but without Olsen’s key saves and confident claims, the result could have been very different.

Yes, Olsen has made costly mistakes in the past, and his distribution can be shaky, but stepping in for a world-class goalkeeper like Martinez is never easy. He will never match the two-time Yashin Trophy winner, but he is often unfairly criticized before even having a chance to prove himself. Martinez has made errors too—against Nottingham Forest, RB Leipzig, and Chelsea—so Olsen should perhaps be given more leeway.

From the press box, it was clear how much the Villa squad appreciated Olsen’s performance. The post-match celebrations showed his popularity, with teammates like Youri Tielemans and Axel Disasi pushing him toward the traveling fans for well-earned applause.

Not all supporters doubted him, but many likely sighed when they saw the team sheet. Given Martinez’s importance, that’s understandable, but Olsen deserves more recognition for his contributions.

“He’s hugely appreciated in the dressing room, and the players were so happy for him,” Emery said. “It’s not easy being a backup to the world’s best goalkeeper, but he’s fantastic as a person and professional. Against Crystal Palace, he conceded three goals, so today was crucial for his confidence and for the team. He was fantastic and helped us massively.”