Aston Villa captain John McGinn has lifted the lid on the unusual celebration that went viral during his match-winning performance against Nottingham Forest, admitting it was a light-hearted dig at manager Unai Emery.
A Brace to Remember and a Celebration to Explain
The Scottish midfielder was the hero for Villa in their 3-1 Premier League victory at Villa Park on Saturday, scoring two crucial goals. His first was a neat finish from a Matty Cash cross, while his second saw him capitalise on a defensive error to slot home from over 30 yards.
This double marked a significant personal milestone for McGinn. It was his first ever brace in the Premier League and only the second of his entire Villa career. His previous two-goal haul came over six years ago, in March 2019, also against Nottingham Forest, but in the Championship.
The 'Step by Step' Joke Behind the Stomp
After his opening goal, McGinn abandoned his trademark 'goggles' celebration, instead opting to hunch his back and stomp on the turf. The bizarre move left fans and pundits baffled until the skipper provided the explanation in a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
"A wee joke in the dressing room," McGinn revealed. "I don't know how much I can say about it! There is a reason behind it and it was hinting at the manager talking about us going step by step so it was a wee nod towards that."
The celebration was therefore a playful imitation of Emery, poking fun at the Spaniard's frequent use of the phrase "step by step" in his team talks at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Emery's Demand and McGinn's Response
McGinn also disclosed a specific instruction from his manager that contributed to his impactful performance. "The manager wanted me to be more intense and get in the box and thankfully I did that," he stated.
The victory was a vital response from Villa following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal earlier in the week. McGinn emphasised the team's desire to bounce back, suggesting this could be the start of another positive run of form.
Emery himself was full of praise for his captain's contribution, highlighting that scoring goals was a clear individual target set for the midfielder. "We need goals from the players, the strikers, the midfielders, everybody," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "I try to set ambitions individually. They have their targets and John McGinn needs to score goals like he did today."
The result and the celebratory antics provided a perfect blend of serious footballing intent and camaraderie, showcasing the positive atmosphere within Unai Emery's squad as they continue their push in the top flight.
