Aston Villa player leaves Troy Deeney with no choice after what he did vs Nottingham Forest
Troy Deeney was left impressed by Aston Villa following their victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Aston Villa beat Forest 3-1, with a goal from Ollie Watkins, as well as a John McGinn brace, helping Unai Emery’s side back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Watkins opened the scoring with a fierce strike into the top corner, before McGinn doubled the lead not long after half-time.
Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for Sean Dyche’s side on the hour mark, but McGinn made sure of all three points, grabbing his second of the afternoon.
John McGinn makes Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week
McGinn was the hero for Villa against Nottingham Forest, with his two goals seeing the Midlands side move level with second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.
Moments into the second half, the Scot latched onto Matty Cash’s cutback to smash a left-footed strike into the top corner.
McGinn then took advantage of a huge mistake from Forest keeper John Victor, converting into an empty net from 35 yards to secure the win.
Former Watford and Birmingham City striker Deeney included the midfielder in his BBC Sport Team of the Week, highlighting his love-hate relationship with Emery at Villa.
He said: “[McGinn] obviously has to be in here. Two goals, the second goal he is obviously buzzing because the keeper made it so easy for him.
“It feels like he has had a love-hate relationship with Unai Emery for about three years now. It has started to come to fruition. He has been a really important piece for this Aston Villa side.”
Troy Deeney absolutely right to highlight John McGinn
McGinn has been immense for Aston Villa this season, and has already picked up six Premier League goal contributions for Emery’s side.
The Scotland international was superb once again in the win over Nottingham Forest, scoring twice from an xG of just 0.95.
Villa have been so quick in transition during their impressive run of form, and according to FBref, McGinn often finds himself in lots of space to hurt the opposition, receiving 3.54 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League this season.
| Premier League (25-26) | John McGinn |
| Appearances (Starts) | 20 (19) |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Progressive passes received (per 90) | 3.54 |
| Progressive passes (Per 90) | 4.01 |
| Crosses (Per 90) | 3.54 |
The 31-year-old is not afraid to get the ball into the box forward himself either, averaging 3.54 crosses and 4.01 progressive passes per 90.
McGinn has had spells out the team under Emery, but he is now such a crucial part of the Spaniard’s side and is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
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