Villa stuck learning the hard way
JOHN McGINN says Aston Villa are enduring a “painful” learning curve back in the Premier League.
Villa blew the lead twice against Burnley on Saturday after doing the same at 10-man Arsenal last week.
Dean Smith’s promoted side looked set for victory when McGinn made it 2-1 in the 79th minute but the dogged Clarets levelled just two minutes later. Villa have now dropped eight points from winning positions this term – more than any other side in the top flight.
Midfielder McGinn said: “We didn’t manage the game properly and we got punished. I know we are inexperienced at this level but we are learning the hard way. It is painful, you want to win.
“If you have just scored it is so important and everyone knows you are vulnerable. But we conceded and it is a kick in the teeth because it is a game we deserved to win.
“I think that was the best performance of the season. As a team we pressed well and were organised and were a real threat.
“We have to do what other teams do even if it is not pretty - just boot it away or kick it as high up in the stands as possible and regroup.
“We didn’t regroup quickly enough and got punished.”
McGinn was the pivotal figure, continuing to excel in the Premier League. He thought he had opened the scoring before VAR ruled crosser Conor Hourihane was offside, then he released Frederic Guilbert who fed Anwar El Ghazi to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute.
Burnley were much improved after the break and substitute Jay Rodriguez levelled. McGinn’s volley restored the hosts’ lead before Chris Wood nodded in his third of the season moments later.
McGinn said: “VAR has been brought in to cut out the discussion and debate but it just seems to be adding to it. It is even worse when you celebrate it.
“You think you have scored in front of the Holte End - I have only done that once. Thankfully I managed to get a goal in the second half, I was glad to be able to celebrate it properly.”
ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Heaton 7; Guilbert 6, Engels 6, Mings 7, Targett 7 (Taylor 62, 6); McGinn 8 , Nakamba 7, Hourihane 7; El Ghazi 7 (Trezeguet 70, 7), Wesley 5 (Davis 88), Grealish 7. Goals: El Ghazi 33, McGinn 79. BURNLEY (4-4-2): Pope 8; Lowton 7, Tarkowski 7, Mee 7, Pieters 7; Hendrick 6, Westwood 6, Cork 6 (Rodriguez 45, 7), McNeil 7; Wood 7, Barnes 6 (Brady 83 ). Goals: Rodriguez 68, Wood 81.