Midfielder John McGinn believes Aston Villa are ready to challenge the Premier League's elite after their 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

McGinn struck the only goal of the game after seven minutes at Villa Park to move the hosts to within two points of leaders Liverpool.

Villa's win followed a home success over reigning champions Manchester City on Wednesday night by the same scoreline, leaving McGinn full of confidence.

The Scot told Sky Sports: "What a monumental week it's been for us. 

"We had the best of the first 20 minutes and I don't know what happened after that.

"The second half was about character and grit. It wasn't our best but I'm certainly not complaining.

"They had a lot of the ball but not too many clear-cut chances.

"A clean sheet against the two best teams in the league in my opinion. [Boss Unai Emery] is determined to take this club to the next level."

Villa's latest triumph was a club record 15th consecutive home league victory and their fourth win from their last five top-flight games.

Their next test comes when they make the trip to Brentford on December 17 and McGinn is not getting too carried away by the West Midlanders' lofty position in third place.

He added: "It's Matchday 16, so there's a long way to go.

"We respect everyone round about us who have been in these positions for years. They're so experienced, we're newbies.

"Can we keep it up? We'll see, hopefully. The targets have been revised. 

"We have to try and improve our away form, which isn't horrendous but can be improved."