John McGinn has shared what Unai Emery did at half-time in the Aston Villa dressing room yesterday.
The Villa skipper spoke to Viaplay on Sunday after leading his side to a 2-1 win at Tottenham.
The Villains put in a resilient display at Spurs and their clinical finishing proved to be the difference between the sides.
Indeed, Pau Torres got Unai Emery’s men back on level terms right on the stroke of half-time with a well-taken header.
It’s fair to say Villa were second-best in the opening period and were fortunate to head into the break at 1-1.
But John McGinn claims Emery was delighted his side had found a way back into the game.
McGinn shares what Emery did at half-time yesterday
Speaking after a statement win in North London, McGinn claims that Emery tweaked Villa’s system for the second half.
“The first half we were very fortunate today but I think the manager was delighted at half-time, he had a big smile on his face, because we weren’t behind and he has brought a real belief to us,” he said.
“At half time we changed the game plan a bit, made two subs, and it worked.”
Emery decided to replace Mousa Diaby with Leon Bailey at half-time, while Youri Tielemans was also introduced for Matty Cash.
Villa put in a much-improved display in the second half and were rewarded when Ollie Watkins bagged what turned out to be the winner on the hour mark.
The Villains undoubtedly rode their luck at times as Spurs were wasteful in front of goal. But Emiliano Martinez also made some crucial saves.
It was a huge win for Villa and certainly lays down a marker in the top-four race.
It’s no secret Emery’s men have struggled on the road but yesterday’s display should give them added confidence away from home from here on out.