Aston Villa hold firm inside Villa Park as McGinn’s 300th marks quiet milestone
There was turmoil outside Villa Park, yet the image inside spoke the loudest.
The bank of seats for away fans in the Doug Ellis Stand stayed empty all night.
Nevertheless, from any angle, the events around this fixture defied normal football.
Inside the sealed home enclave, those who turned up stayed focused on football.
John McGinn’s 300th Villa appearance drew the night’s loudest cheer.
Meanwhile, supporters from nearby blocks joined in, even as chants aimed at the vacant section echoed.
Yet a patchy crowd managed to summon moments of innocent fun amid a tense backdrop.
Ultimately, Villa had the match comfortably in hand.
- Emptied away end underscored a night of off pitch tension.
- McGinn’s landmark appearance provided a clear focal point for the crowd.
- Villa controlled proceedings and claimed a low drama victory.
John McGinn
Aston Villa