Steven Gerrard wants John McGinn to tell him all about his bizarre goal celebration after the Scot scored what proved to be the winner down at Selhurst Park on Saturday. McGinn, 27, curled home a beauty with just five minutes of normal time remaining after good work from Emi Buendia and Anwar El Ghazi in the build up. Reporter asked Gerrard what it’s all about while pointing how how the manager’s young son Lio, four, will no doubt be busting it out in the back garden re-enacting McGinn’s glorious strike.
Steven Gerrard said: “I’m hoping he’s going to give me an explanation. If he doesn’t you can the next time I see you! Listen, my son’s got the kits already. He wanted the Liverpool kit, Rangers kits, he’s asked for the Aston Villa kit and I’m sure he’ll be bouncing around thinking he’s John McGinn or a Matty Targett tonight which is fine because they were both outstanding today.”
Elsewhere, Gerrard reserved special praise for a certain Marvelous Nakamba after his star showing in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Steven Gerrard said: “He’s stepped forward. I think this system suits him, being the middle man. He does a lot of unnoticed work. He’s performed big for me in the two games. He played with composure once he got the yellow card today and I thought his contribution was massive to the team today! He deserves a lot of plaudits from an individual point of view.”
On his start to life as a Premier League manager in the Villa dugout,
Steven Gerrard added: “Big games are coming thick and fast. I’m not sure this is a league or a level where you get much enjoyment, if you like, because the next top coach comes along in three days time and the next team comes along. This is a level where you must remain focused and concentrated from my point of view. Keep demanding the standards required at this level and there’s one thing we won’t do and that’s getting carried away on the back of two wins. We know how tough it is in this league and how quick it can turn around. We’ll prepare the players the best way we can. Secretly, behind the scenes, of course this is where I want to be. I’ve worked extremely hard to get to this position and I want to give it my best shot from a personal point of view.”