Unai Emery was pleased with how his Aston Villa side competed at the Etihad Stadium, after they were beaten 2-1 in stoppage time at Manchester City.
Marcus Rashford had drawn Villa level from the penalty spot in the first half after Bernardo Silva had given City an early lead, but Matheus Nunes struck in stoppage time to break claret and blue hearts.
Emery praised his players’ defensive display throughout, and the effort from their travelling supporters, following what he suggested was a tight affair.
He said: “We lost, but we competed very well, and we reacted after the goal fantastic, scoring one goal, drawing and we were defending very well, competing very well.
“We didn’t concede a lot. Of course, they were dominating the second half, pushing, getting some corners offensively, but we were defending very well.
“We had as well our chances with Marcus Rashford to score the second goal, and the last minute as well, I tried with some substituted players getting good impact and trying to win the match, but they did the same, and they won.
“Of course, overall, we can feel proud of everything we are doing. The supporters as well, they were with us today here, because they know as well the importance for us to play in the Premier League and, through it, to get Europe again.”
For Emery, attention immediately turned to Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final tie against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
“Disappointed a little, but so quick, I am changing my mind and now we are going to focus on the match on Saturday,” the Spaniard added.
“We have a very exciting moment in London on Saturday with our supporters against Crystal Palace in the semi-final and we have to enjoy it.
“We lost, we have to accept it. Of course, we tried, and I’m so happy with how we competed, but it was not enough, and even getting one point was not enough for us.
“But now, change our mind, try to get a lot of information about this match and to use positive things and be really positive for Saturday, how we can continue in our way in the FA Cup.”
