Dermot Gallagher says categorically if McGinn goal should’ve stood in Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Dermot Gallagher believes the decision to disallow John McGinn’s goal for Aston Villa was correct in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday (26 October).
McGinn believed he had opened the scoring for his side at Villa Park before a lengthy VAR check deemed Ollie Watkins failed to keep the ball in play in the build-up to the goal.
The former Premier League referee offered his verdict on the decision on Sky Sports Ref Watch [28 October, 11:22am] and believes the reaction from Watkins tells you all you need to know.
He said: “I think it’s just out. It’s interesting if you watch Watkins because he doesn’t even celebrate. When McGinn scores he stands there expecting it to be disallowed.”
Aston Villa need to bounce back from Bournemouth setback
While Aston Villa supporters will feel begrudged with the decision going against them, Unai Emery should be disappointed his side never put Bournemouth to the sword in a one-sided match-up.
The Villans have to win matches at Villa Park against mid-table sides if they are to repeat last season’s feat and claim Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.
It was a mixed bag of a performance for Villa. Morgan Rogers failed to live up to the standards set thus far this year, while Ross Barkley played “the best football of his career” in the draw after he thought he scored the winner before Evanilson’s 96th-minute equaliser.
Aston Villa fans can complain over the contentious VAR decision all they like but the fact remains the side dropped two vital points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Unai Emery must remain positive as Villa continue to compete on all fronts this year. However, with Crystal Palace next in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday [30 October] and Tottenham away from home on the weekend, it is not going to get any easier for his side.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans are open to selling Robin Olsen as Malmo eye a January transfer.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.