Aston Villa: ‘Powerful’ John McGinn in stunning display v Arsenal, Jermaine Jenas raved about him on MOTD
John McGinn put in a stunning display as he helped Aston Villa secure a victory against Arsenal on Saturday (9 December).
The 29-year-old midfielder scored the only goal of the game just seven minutes into the contest as his side held on to record a 1-0 win at Villa Park.
The three points nailed down Villa’s position in third place in the Premier League, where they now sit just one point behind the Gunners and two points behind league leaders Liverpool.
It was an excellent run down the right-hand side from Leon Bailey that set up McGinn’s goal, with the winger finding his captain before he quickly turned on the ball and rifled an effort into the top corner.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday (28:38), Jermaine Jenas was full of praise for the midfielder’s tenacity and work on the ball as he paid tribute to how he’s improved as a player since Unai Emery arrived at the club.
“He’s been brilliant,” said Jenas. “I think Unai Emery has really improved all of the squad in general, but I think John McGinn is one of those players who’s really flourishing in almost a different type of role.
“I think with people like Douglas Luiz, Tielemans and Kamara around him, it gives him more of a freedom to make runs like this and get himself into dangerous areas. He takes this goal really well, calm with his back to goal and sticks that one in the back of the net for his fourth Premier League goal of the season.
“I just like him in this position because it’s something to do with how powerful he is. When you get close to him, you can’t stop him. He turns well, runs well, but people just bounce off him.
” I think that’s the one thing Unai Emery has just asked of him, just that little bit of quality, that added bit in the final third, find the right pass at the right moment because you’re going to be in these areas more often and need to do that.”
Jenas went on to talk about some stats that backed up the midfielder’s performance as they showed that he came out first with the most tackles, dribbles, possession won and duels won of any player on the pitch.
During his 90 minutes on the pitch, McGinn had 45 touches of the ball, while he made one key pass and was successful with two of the three long balls he played forwards [SofaScore].
He was clinical in front of goal after finding the back of the net with his only shot on target, with his other effort blocked by a defender.
As the Scotsman looked to get on the ball and carry his team up the pitch, he made three successful dribbles and one clearance.
He was also crucial with his defensive work for Villa after winning 10 of his duels, while making two interceptions and five tackles.
McGinn really is playing on another level at the moment in time under Emery and it’s clear that he will be absolutely crucial to whatever level of success the Villans achieve this season.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared a “scary” admission after what Richard Keys said.