John McGinn - signed (Captain)

[Dante Lavelli]

Sorry for resurrecting the Bruce Forsyth-esque debate about whether McGinn is playing Higher or Lower under Emery; but Ramsey (who arguably has taken McGinn’s position in kamara’s absence) was interviewed after today’s game and said his instructions are to get much higher up the pitch.

I’m no expert but I’d guess, under Emery, the right midfielder position’s heat map looks similar to the Gerrard version because the player spends very little time loitering in advanced positions but is given license to ‘arrive’ there without worry of leaving the team exposed. The subtle difference is they have full permission to do it whereas under Gerrard it was primarily the job of the full-backs to bomb forward.

[Smirker]

That one turn on a dime in the second half was superb. Brilliant skill.

Yes that was superb.

[LeeB]

He looks like one of the best midfielders in the league again. Unconventional yes, but when used correctly his body strength is an absolute force of nature, it's a 'transition' in itself, something of very high value in the hands of someone capable of exploiting it.

[Aldridge Villa]

Top drawer again today , keep it up SJM.

[astonvilla82]

Good performance once again, said he' learning under Emery, which is a good sign, one player I didn't expect too honestly and goes to show that Emery is willing to give players a chance if required

[LukeJames]

He's unrecognisable from the player he was under Gerrard. It's almost as if we signed a brand new player in January.

[Clampy]

He was superb today and he's been decent since Emery came in. And to think some used to call him shit and fat.

[astonvilla82]

Steve Gerrard has got to answer for, his media mates have shut there gobs in recent  months

[andyh]

It’s very simple I think.
Gerard wanted McGinn playing in a very narrow channel…he was totally shackled.

The shackles are off, he’s free to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, and he does.
 He’s thriving and one of the best midfielders in the country again.

Ginny is back. Gerard is a c.unt.

Simple.

[pauliewalnuts]

 

He was superb today and he's been decent since Emery came in. And to think some used to call him shit and fat.

Pointless whine at other posters there.

Honestly, why bother? Why feel the need?

[brontebilly]

He was superb today and he's been decent since Emery came in. And to think some used to call him shit and fat.

Pointless whine at other posters there.

Honestly, why bother? Why feel the need?

Considering one called him a fat knacker only a few months ago.....anyway enough about Risso

John McGinn is a Villa legend, playing under a proper coach he is thriving.

[Ian.]

He was really shit for a fair while under Gerard, as was a few others, so something is telling me it may not have been the players for the lack of form which was very evident.

[Toronto Villa]

He was superb today and he's been decent since Emery came in. And to think some used to call him shit and fat.

It’s because he went through a period of being shit and fat. He’s much fitter now and he is back to playing some of his best football.

[LeeB]

He was really shit for a fair while under Gerard, as was a few others, so something is telling me it may not have been the players for the lack of form which was very evident.

Thinking back a bit, I picture him dallying on the ball and getting mugged or trying a pass that isn't on, the product of muddled thinking. That's gone and the player can show his qualities.

[Ian.]

He was really shit for a fair while under Gerard, as was a few others, so something is telling me it may not have been the players for the lack of form which was very evident.

Thinking back a bit, I picture him dallying on the ball and getting mugged or trying a pass that isn't on, the product of muddled thinking. That's gone and the player can show his qualities.

It was quite painful to see a player who was so adored by so many of us play so poorly.

I’m now pretty convinced Gerard picked a team and a formation and basically sent them out and hoped for the best, very much the same way my old football manager did when I was a kid.