John McGinn expressed his immense relief at helping to secure Aston Villa’s first Premier League win of the season against Fulham and says the club have now “turned a corner”.
The Villa captain was on target to put the hosts in front with a long-range effort with Emiliano Buendia also scoring in a 3-1 win after Ollie Watkins’ first goal of the season cancelled out Raul Jimenez’s early opener.
Two successive victories in all competitions have lifted the gloom at Villa Park after a dismal start to the season but the skipper is hoping their performance against the Whites can be a sign of things to come.
The Scot told BBC Match of the Day: “Delighted but relieved at the same time. It has been a very poor start to the season.
“To lose here 3-0 in the last home game [against Crystal Palace] was tough to take. We actually started well and then we reacted really well to conceding at the corner.
“It is not an easy place to play when the crowd are on your back but then when you get momentum, what a place it is to play.
“It was important to show belief and confidence in each other. What a win and what a huge show of character for us.”
McGinn: ‘Brilliant Watkins has shut a few people up’
Striker Watkins will also have breathed a huge sigh of relief after ending a 10-game goal drought with a nice lob in the first half.
The under-fire England man also provided the assist for Buendia’s goal and McGinn was quick to show support to the 29-year-old.
McGinn said: “He has had a lot of criticism in recent weeks but what he will get from us as team-mates and staff is love and support.
“What he has given us in recent seasons is nothing short of brilliant.
“He always has a spell in the season when it doesn’t quite click for him but he runs a lot and he works hard and then when he gets the ball you expect that he will score.
“Hopefully that shuts a few people up.”
McGinn: ‘We’ve turned a corner’
Villa have an away trip to Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday before they are back at Villa Park against Burnley next Sunday.
And after quadrupling their goal tally for the entire season in one afternoon against Fulham, McGinn is determined to ensure they keep building.
“It can change quickly but we are not getting carried away,” he added.
“We have turned a little corner the last few games but that doesn’t mean anything.
“It’s about recovering now and then back here next Sunday to try and pick up another win in the league.”
