John McGinn amazes after brilliant Aston Villa moment v PSG — ‘Different class’
John McGinn had Ally McCoist in disbelief live on TNT sports as Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League.
Parc des Princes hosted Unai Emery’s team in the first leg of the quarter-finals, with Morgan Rogers and Desire Doue scoring in the first half.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the hosts the lead in the 49th minute after a brilliant strike beat Emi Martinez in between the sticks, with Nuno Mendes scoring in stoppage time.
While the Lions will be disappointed with the end result, one moment from McGinn in the opening 45 minutes was hailed.
McCoist stunned by McGinn in build-up of Villa goal v PSG
McGinn’s interception in the build-up to Villa’s opening goal was brilliant, McCoist says.
The Scotsman amazed his fellow compatriot after winning possession for the Villans before Rodgers eventually scored in the 35th minute.
| Appearances (2024/25) | Goals | Assists |
| 40 | 2 | 4 |
McCoist hailed the midfielder as “different class” and credited him for starting the counter that led to Emery’s team taking the lead.
Speaking on TNT Sports (9 April, 20:37), the ex-striker said: “Two words, John McGinn. Absolutely different class. Reads the situation. Intercepts. Causes the counter. And from there, it’s a thing of beauty. It’s a wonderful goal. But that is a brilliant interception.”
PSG have Villa Park encounter to get through in Champions League
Emery’s substitution at Parc des Princes may have backfired as Axel Disasi replaced Matty Cash after the break.
The 27-year-old French centre-back on loan from Chelsea played at right-back during the second half, and his struggles were apparent immediately.
Marco Asensio and Ollie Watkins started on the bench for the Villans, which is another decision the Spanish manager may have second thoughts about.
PSG are arguably a better team than Villa, and not many people feel the Lions have any hope of getting past them.
Rogers has shown, though, that the Ligue 1 outfit aren’t invincible, and 90 minutes in a bouncing Villa Park will undoubtedly be a challenge for Enrique’s team.
While Emery’s team haven’t got the result they might have hoped for, the second leg presents an opportunity for the Villans to turn the tie on its head.
The Spanish manager will be expected to make better decisions at home, and the players can’t let the PSG’s reputation get to them.
While Enrique does have quality at his disposal, the Lions also possess impressive personnel who are capable of taking the game by the scruff of its neck.