Credit: TNT Sport

Max Wilkins

Mon 23 March 2026 8:40, UK

Aston Villa have John McGinn to thank for their recent return to winning ways at Villa Park.

The Scotland international spent nearly two months out through injury between January and March, but has returned with a bang.

There is no hiding how big a miss the skipper was in claret and blue due to his unique presence in the Midlands.

That was certainly on show against West Ham as the Villans secured their second home win of the week after Europa League victory against Lille on Thursday.

McGinn was superb then and then helped Villa to an easy 2-0 win over West Ham, for which he has been picked out for particular praise.

John McGinn singled out for West Ham showcase

Unai Emery was able to welcome the Scot and Youri Tielemans back to a Premier League squad at Villa Park for the first time since mid-January on Sunday.

That certainly represented a boost as Villa Park felt a certain buzz, especially when the Belgian came on as a substitute against the Irons.

They both put a positive shift in and proved exactly why they’ve been so badly missed by the claret and blue outfit in the past two months.

McGinn got the Villans started with a stunning strike after being laid up once again by Jadon Sancho as the two combined as they did against Lille in mid-week.

Joe Hart was blown away by the captain in B6 as he picked him out for individual credit on Match of the Day.

He said: “I think he just makes the stadium feel confident when he’s on the pitch. The goal he scored is really special, and he’s a real hardened character in the team.

“He played a really important role in getting Villa up and running today.”

McGinn was the star of the show against Lille and replicated that in the Premier League as he continues to showcase his importance in claret and blue.

McGinn was excellent for Aston Villa (again)

The 31-year-old started in a number 10 role against the Hammers, featuring close to Ollie Watkins in attacking situations.

That afforded the Scot plenty of space in the middle of the park as he racked up 39 touches and an 87 per cent pass accuracy in B6.

With that, he created two chances and then scored with his only shot of the afternoon after a superb set-piece routine.

McGinn also chipped in with two duel wins as he also won one foul to help see out victory over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with ease.

Villa looked to be back to their best against West Ham, and there is no doubt that the captain played a key role in achieving that.