Aston Villa moved within two points of the Premier League lead after beating championship rivals Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s team have now won 15 consecutive Premier Leagues at Villa Park, and back-to-back victory over Manchester City and the Gunners have raised hopes of an unexpected title challenge.
After only seven minutes, Villa captain McGinn raced onto Leon Bailey’s cross and blasted into the top corner.
“What a monumental week it has been for us,” McGinn added.
“That was a really tough stretch for us; we played Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and I think it showed in our performance tonight; it wasn’t our best, but I’m not complaining.”
“The second half was a bit of character, a bit of grit and fair play to the substitutes who’ve come on.”
Arsenal’s second league defeat of the season moves them one point behind Liverpool, who took the lead earlier in the day with a contentious 2-1 success at Crystal Palace.
Arteta was forced to watch the game from the stands due to a touchline ban, and he had to restrain himself after the game when asked about a few of contentious events.
When Gabriel Jesus fell down under a challenge from Douglas Luiz in the second half, Arsenal thought they should have received a penalty.
Kai Havertz’s late goal was disallowed for handball.
“I do have a strong opinion,” Arteta admitted. “(But) I prefer not to comment.”
Emery, who was fired by Arsenal four years ago, relished the victory.
Since his return to England over a year ago, the Spaniard has had an incredible effect at Villa.
“It was a tough week and now after these three points we have to be happy but also keep balance,” Emery stated in a statement.
“I’ll say something else when we’re in game 32 or 33.” We are in game 16 today and are not a title contender.”
Arsenal laments the absence of a lethal striker.
Arsenal was left to rue a number of big wasted chances, raising new doubts about their ability to win their first Premier League title in 20 years without a natural goalscorer.
“We were the better team, we didn’t deserve to lose but this is football,” Arteta stated in a statement.
“(Scoring is) the only thing we are lacking today.” We created some extremely enormous opportunities.”
Even before Villa scored, Arsenal had a good chance when Bukayo Saka failed to connect with Gabriel Martinelli’s cross.
They fell down seconds later when McGinn took a beautiful touch from Bailey’s cross to score his sixth goal of the season.
Emiliano Martinez denied Martin Odegaard and Jesus, ensuring Villa’s lead remained until the break.
Arteta was forced to observe as Villa rode their luck in the second half.
Odegaard squandered another good chance by skewing wide after Ollie Watkins turned a corner onto his own post.
Saka eventually got by Martinez, only to be whistled offside.
Late drama ensued when Havertz outmuscled Matty Cash to bundle in at the back post.
The ball appeared to slip through both players’ hands as they wrestled for possession, but the referee’s decision to award Havertz handball was affirmed following a lengthy VAR review.
Arsenal’s setback opens the door for fourth-placed City to close to within four points of the top spot when they visit Luton Town on Sunday.