Practically a third of the league games played, Watford ended the match with Oxford in the top four – and Tom Cleverley feels his side still have a lot of improvement in them.

While the Hornets have won eight of their 15 Championship fixtures, they have seldom turned on the after-burners for a full 90 minutes.

Instead they have delivered some excellent halves of football, or hit a purple patch during matches.

“I think the exciting part is we’ve not even hit close to top gear yet,” said Cleverley.

“We haven’t found consistency in first halves and we’ve not found consistency away from home.

“I think there is more to come out of this squad, and me as the coach needs to keep demanding it.

“I don’t feel we are ‘there’ yet but I also know the players are working as hard as they possibly can to fulfil the potential I feel this squad has.

“It’s my job to stay on top of that.”

Having blasted six goals at Sheffield Wednesday, it shows Watford have the potential to really cut loose – and given their home form, it feels only a matter of time before a visiting team ‘cops it’ at Vicarage Road.

“I do think that, and that’s not me being complacent,” said the Hornets head coach.

“What we did at Sheffield Wednesday and I think the football we play here, and thinking back to the Stoke second half earlier in the season.

“We are starting to show more consistency. Swansea was a blip, but now our blips are not as bad as they were at Luton and Preston.

“I feel we’re getting there with the consistency.”

The Oxford victory did feel similar to the game at Hillsborough but without so many goals, as the Hornets were average at best in the first half before dominating after the break and creating a string of chances.

“Yeah it did feel a bit like Sheffield Wednesday, and that’s a bit of a trait of ours,” admitted Cleverley.

“We go through a feeling out process that can sometimes punish you, and then we really kick on when we come out for the second half.

“I think our supporters play a big part in the improved second half at home games.”

One thing is for sure, when Watford do move through the gears they pose an attacking threat which is exciting to watch.

“We’ve got so much pace and athleticism, and quality in the right areas,” Cleverley pointed out.

“It was outstanding football at times, and the only thing that would be better for my heart rate was I wish it was two or three goals, and then I could have enjoyed the last 20 minutes.

“I was really pleased with the second half performance, and it was worthy of all three points.”