Unai Emery was pleased to put Aston Villa’s FA Cup losing streak to bed with victory against Middlesbrough.
The club had lost seven consecutive third round ties dating back to 2017, but a strong performance on Teesside earned a 1-0 triumph on Saturday.
Head coach Emery felt Matty Cash’s late goal and a place in the fourth round was a deserved outcome for the visitors.
“I’m very happy,” he said.
“Before the game we were speaking about how we lost in the third round to Stevenage at home; we were very upset but it was a different moment.
“We were remembering with the players that Aston Villa hadn’t got to the next round for seven years. Today was a good opportunity to break it, and we did.
“I’m very happy because we played being mature, being passionate, being responsible and trying to understand the opponent’s tactical idea and transitions.
“We respected the opponent because a lot of Championship players can play in the Premier League. In 90 minutes, we were controlling the game and being mature. We were responsible and trying to impose our gameplan, which we did.
“At the end, we won and I think we deserved it. We were in 90 minutes getting more chances than them and controlling the game more than them.”
Villa were backed by a vocal away following in large number at Riverside Stadium, who sang from first whistle to last and revelled in victory at the end.
As always, Emery was grateful for their efforts as Villa progressed in a competition that the club has won seven times.
He said: “I’m thankful for all the supporters that were here because we need them.
“We are being stronger with them and their support. They travelled from Birmingham to here to be with us and try to transmit their energy to us.
“We appreciate it a lot.”
