Emiliano Martinez outlines European ambitions for high-flying Aston Villa

Dean Smith’s men sit sixth in the early Premier League table after winning five of their first seven matches, including Sunday’s superb 3-0 win at Arsenal.

Goalkeeper Martinez reckons the performance against his former club was even more impressive than last month’s 7-2 thrashing of champions Liverpool - with Villa having rebounded after defeats to Leeds and Southampton.

And the 28-year-old believes they are capable of achieving big things in the months ahead.

Martinez said: “I have said since day one my ambition is to be in Europe with Aston Villa.

“I want to take this club as high as possible and I think we are on the right path. Do I think it can be done this season? Yes. That is the idea. That is the wish. We have to work for it.

“Sunday was a massive win. Last season it was hard for Villa to get back to winning ways after losing matches.

“I think it was the best performance so far this season because of the way we reacted from two defeats. It is not easy to do that against a team like Arsenal but we were outstanding.”

Martinez has kept four clean sheets after joining Villa, who only avoided relegation by a point last season, in a deal which could eventually be worth £20million.

The Argentine, who helped Arsenal win last season’s FA Cup, asked to leave after failing to get assurances he would be the Gunners No.1 this term.

He continued: “When I decided to come to Villa it was because I trusted the manager’s ambitions and the club’s ambitions.

“I knew what a big club Villa is. People don’t realise how big it is.

“They were all saying it was a step down in my career but I will always say it was a step up.

“We are going to have a really good season. Obviously we are going to keep fighting for every game, for every ball. Hopefully we are in the top-10 in the table.

“I knew the club’s ambitions. They called me from day one, after the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

“I wanted to play week-in, week-out and Arsenal would not guarantee that.

“When I had that doubt I wanted to leave and Villa was the first option and the only one for me.”