Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has admitted that he has been pleasantly surprised by the team's start to the season.

The Villans, who are in 11th place in the Premier League table, have picked up wins against sides such as Arsenal and Manchester City during the opening few months of the campaign.

"All last season we were learning the whole time," Clark told the Birmingham Mail. "It was a young squad last year, and each game we played in we were learning.

"But last season's gone now and we need to concentrate on this year. We've had a very tough start. Considering the top sides we've played against, we've managed to pick up quite a few points."

Villa continue their Premier League campaign on November 25 when they make the trip to local rivals West Bromwich Albion.