Unai Emery felt Aston Villa left Villa Park with reasons to be positive on Boxing Day - despite a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool.
The hosts created several clear-cut chances as they more than played their part in an entertaining clash.
But it was Liverpool who showed their ruthless streak to ensure Ollie Watkins’ goal counted for nothing.
“I’m disappointed with the result but I’m happy with the attitude the players showed,” Emery said.
“Today, it was amazing with the supporters here at Villa Park: the connection, the energy they transmit to us, the support.
“We transmitted to them in some moments with good attitude, good intensity, very good skill and our effort to win.
“I’m disappointed because after the match we played over 90 minutes, we deserved more. If we were a little bit more accurate, maybe the result would be different.”
After consecutive top flight wins to start his tenure, this was the Spaniard’s first Premier League defeat as the club’s head coach.
Emery’s team were firmly in the match up until Stefan Bajcetic netted with nine minutes remaining, and they will now set about bouncing back when they play Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day.
He said: “It was tough in the first half and the result (2-0) was difficult.
“We were speaking after the first half about how we were going to keep our game plan and try to score one goal. If we scored one goal, we would have chances to come back.
“We did it and we had chances, but their transition was dangerous because they have very good players. They scored the third goal and it was the moment the match was gone.”
