Unai Emery believes Aston Villa showed real signs of progress despite falling to a penalty shootout defeat against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Villa took the lead in West London thanks to Harvey Elliott’s first goal for the club. Brentford hit back in the second half before edging the third-round tie on penalties.
Emery admitted the result was disappointing but stressed the performance gave him reasons to be optimistic.
“We improved things and we scored one goal, which is important as well,” he said. “We drew but we created chances to win the match. I think we deserved something more – we competed well.”
The Villa boss handed starts to Deadline Day arrivals Elliott and Jadon Sancho. Both looked lively, with Sancho hitting the post and Elliott showing his sharpness in front of goal.
“We used in the starting XI some players who joined us in the last moments of the transfer window. They need minutes to get confidence and feel comfortable in our structure, trying to adapt as soon as possible. They played and they performed well,” Emery added.
Villa pushed hard late on and Emery praised his side’s spirit as they went in search of a winner.
“I’m grateful for the supporters. Their effort was here and they were supporting us. We’re a little bit disappointed, but we have our way and I want to try to get strong in our way,” he said.
The Spaniard is now turning his attention to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, eager to build on the signs of improvement.
“Harvey Elliott showed his qualities to us and he scored one goal,” he said. “The press we did with John McGinn was really fantastic, and then in 90 minutes we created three or four clear chances and even hit the post with Jadon Sancho.
“I think we’re getting better. There’s still work to do and we’re going to practice, preparing the game on Sunday.”
Emery’s message was clear. Villa are growing, and he wants the momentum to carry into the league.
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