John McGinn’s early goal earned Aston Villa a 1-0 win over Arsenal and moved them to within two points of the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

Unai Emery’s men have now won 15 consecutive Premier Leagues at Villa Park and back-to-back victories over Manchester City and the Gunners have sparked hopes of an unexpected challenge for their first title since 1981.

The only goal came after just seven minutes when Aston Villa captain McGinn span onto Leon Bailey’s cross and fired into the top corner.

Speaking after the game, McGinn said: “What a monumental week it has been for us.

“That was actually a really tough spell for us we played Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday and I think it showed in our performance tonight, it wasn’t our best, but I’m certainly not complaining.

“The second half was a bit of character, a bit of grit, and fair play to the substitutes who’ve come on.”

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Arsenal’s second league defeat of the season leaves Mikel Arteta’s men one point behind Liverpool, who went top with a controversial 2-1 win at Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday.

Arteta was forced to watch from the stands as he served a touchline ban and had to restrain himself after the game when asked about a couple of controversial incidents.

Arsenal thought they should have had a penalty in the second half when Gabriel Jesus went down under a challenge from Douglas Luiz.

Kai Havertz also had a late goal disallowed for handball.

Arteta said: “I do (have a) big opinion, yes. But I prefer not to comment.”

Arsenal’s defeat opens the door for fourth-placed City to close back to within four points of the top when the English and European champions visit Luton on Sunday.

Aston Villa have secured a top-two spot in Group E of the Europa Conference League and will finish first if they avoid defeat to Zrinjski on Thursday, December 14.

Villa then head to Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday, December 17.

Arsenal have already qualified from Group B in the Champions League and finish on Tuesday, December 12, with a trip to PSV, who are also through.

The Gunners return to league action on Sunday, December 17, at home to Brighton.

The Star