Unai Emery has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa’s performance following their FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: PA)
Unai Emery claims the energy on the pitch and in the stands at Villa Park was better against Newcastle United than in previous weeks.
The Magpies knocked Villa out of the FA Cup on Saturday night, capitalising on their numerical advantage in the second half.
After Tammy Abraham scored the opening goal in the 14th minute, Marco Bizot was sent off for taking down Jacob Murphy on a counter-attack.
The goalkeeper’s reckless decision proved costly for Villa, who conceded three goals in the second half.
Villa have now lost three of their last five home games in all competitions – matching the number of defeats they suffered in their previous 43 matches at home.
“A lot of very good news in this match, after the result. The result is not good, but how the match was going, we can accept it,” Emery reflected.
“We can accept the red card. In 90 minutes, Newcastle showed their capacity with one player more than us.
“The first half was fantastic how we competed and were winning, transmitting again our energy. The supporters gave a very great atmosphere, helping us today. I felt something which maybe in the last matches I missed – the energy, the players as well, good mood.
“We played a very competitive match. I was so, so happy about us in the first half. With the red card, and Newcastle scoring, it was more difficult for us.
“Overall, we will recover again our good mood like we showed in the first half. We must keep going and be motivated for the next two competitions we are going to face.”
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