Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has insisted his side are “close” to clicking into top gear.
A Friday night draw at Bristol City left Villa in 15th place in the Championship table.
But with six points separating them and Brentford, who currently occupy the final play-off berth, Bruce believes there’s no need to panic just yet.
“We’re close,” he told the club website. “We haven’t won again and there’s an air of disappointment, but we’ve only lost once away from home in the league this season.
“I know we have the makings of a very good team. We’re gelling together and are only five points off the top.
“We haven’t started well but are within sight – that’s what this league is all about.”