John McGinn has faith Villa can launch themselves into title race

Aston Villa captain John McGinn admits it has been frustrating not to have taken opportunities to strike a real blow in the title race but he still feels the team are in a good place.

Villa could have gone level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool with a win at Everton but left Goodison Park with a draw which keeps them in third on goal difference behind Manchester City.

"The disappointing thing for us is we have had several opportunities to get to the top of the table, whether that is on our own or joint with another team," said McGinn.

"That has been a frustration, whether it be the game against Nottingham Forest [a 2-0 defeat in November], against Sheffield United [a 1-1 draw before Christmas] and here again.

"But the league is very difficult, teams are going to take points off each other. City are obviously favourites to win it but you just never know.

"This season has been really exciting and it is just brilliant to be part of what is going to be an exciting end to it."

With Liverpool still to hit their very best form, Pep Guardiola's side looking to maintain their traditional post-Christmas push and Arsenal and Tottenham just three points behind the pressure to even stay in the top four will only increase in the coming months.

It means any dropped points are going to feel more significant as the season begins to count down.

"We are going into every game with that mentality that we are going in to win," added McGinn.

"Even toward the end of the [Everton] game we were pushing. At that point they are happy with the draw but we wanted the win. We have that mentality now.

"We are coming here, dominating and trying to get the three points. Our mentality is right. We are in a good place.

"One thing which goes unnoticed,