While several key individuals impressed in Aston Villa’s 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday, skipper John McGinn played a fundamental role in inspiring our response.
The 28-year-old will be the first to concede that he didn’t meet his usual high standards in the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle Utd the previous weekend, and many of his teammates would have echoed that same sentiment.
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With a pivotal voice in the dressing room in Tyrone Mings sidelined due to injury, that leadership and example-setting needed to come from McGinn at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, and he didn’t disappoint.
The Scottish international ended the game with the opening goal to break the deadlock, 49 touches, 80 percent passing accuracy, seven of 11 duels won and four successful dribble attempts from seven.
“It was an awful start last week at St James’ Park – full credit to Newcastle they completely did a job on us,” he told VillaTV. “It was important that we reacted. We had a full crowd here, as we always do, and it was a great day at the office.
“It was a great performance, great to be home and it’s nice to hear (about the club record).
“Looking back to last season, I was playing in forward positions and the manager gave me a lot of trust to get in the box and get goals. I promised him a few more this season and, thankfully, that’s me off the mark.”
Aside from his decisive impact early on with his goal, his tenacity, energy, desire and quality in possession was vital, as he imposed himself physically on the game and ensured we controlled the midfield.
While it could still be argued that he is more comfortable and effective on the right side of the Villa midfield, he showed this past weekend that he can produce on the opposite flank, and it’s hoped that he can back that performance up and build on it.
From a collective perspective though, it feels as though McGinn sets the tone and standard for those around him to follow. When he’s imposing himself on the game and getting the crowd behind him early on, his teammates follow and raise their level too, and that quality continues to make him a fundamental figure in Emery’s side.
“When we see John McGinn pressing and working hard, it just gives us all a little boost,” Ezri Konsa told the Athletic. “To have him on our team is a privilege. Nobody goes near him (in training). You just know what he’s going to do.. just put his backside against you!”
McGinn himself noted in the latter part of last season that he has to raise his numbers in terms of goal contributions. For a player of his quality and given we’ve seen how he has a more decisive impact at international level, he is certainly capable of it.
With Jacob Ramsey, Emiliano Buendia, Philippe Coutinho and possibly Leon Bailey out injured, he’ll need to step up and deliver more than ever, and given the confidence and commitment he’s playing with currently, few would bet against him answering the call.
Further, as alluded to above, Villa have lost an important leadership figure in Mings. That puts additional responsibility on McGinn’s shoulders, and given the character he is and resilience he’s shown previously, there is little doubt that he’ll relish that and meet the challenge head on, regardless of where Emery decides to deploy him.
