O'Neill seeks answers to slump

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned his team that they have come too far for their Champions League dream to disintegrate.

O'Neill accepts Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are favourites to restore the natural order in the Premier League top four but is refusing to throw in the towel despite Sunday's 5-0 thrashing at Anfield.

"We've got to get back on track again," insisted O'Neill.

Villa have now taken just one point from their past five games, which has seen their six-point advantage over Arsenal evaporate with the Gunners now leading Villa by three points and 14 goals better off.

O'Neill added: "Winning football games in this Premier League is exceptionally hard.

"We were doing that fine about four or five weeks ago. Our form has certainly dipped, there's no question about that.

"We're not out of it yet, but anybody would say at this minute that the top four are the strongest sides."