James Milner admits Aston Villa face a tough test if they are to secure UEFA Champions League football.
A positive start to the season has raised hopes of breaking into the top four, which has been dominated by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in recent years.
Successive defeats by Newcastle and Middlesbrough stalled Villa's momentum but the superb 2-0 win at Arsenal took them level with the Gunners in joint-fourth place.
Midfielder Milner insists Champions League qualification is firmly in Villa's sights this season and believes they must continue to take points off the 'big four' if they are to upset the odds and fulfil that ambition.
"The top four is a tough nut to crack," he told the club's official website.
"They have been the top four for a long time. They are quality teams with quality players.
"It will take a lot of hard work and quality performances to break into that. There are a few teams trying to do that.
"The top four have set the standards. We want to close the gap and break into that top bracket. That's the ultimate aim.
"Champions League football is obviously part of the aim. That's what every footballer wants to do - to play at the highest level.
"The highest platform at club level is the Champions League. We all want that at Villa.
"Saying all that, we don't want to get carried away because of one good result.
"We need to take each game as it comes and keep picking up the points. There are no easy games and we need to get into a good frame of mind for Saturday's tough clash with Manchester United."
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