Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says victory at Manchester United is proof of how much progress they've made.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's first-half header ensured Villa collected their first Old Trafford victory since 1983.

More importantly, it added the scalp of the Barclays Premier League champions to those of Liverpool and Chelsea, that were collected earlier this season. And they are yet to face Arsenal.

"There is an ability within our squad that sometimes gets overlooked," said the Northern Irishman.

"People looked at our away results last season and decided we were a counter-attacking side. There is nothing wrong with that. Manchester United have won championships like it.

"We have also tightened up defensively.

"I know we have improved. A couple of years ago we could not have performed like we have been."