Unai Emery admitted his frustration after Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening.
Despite a strong start from the Villans in South London, it was the hosts who struck first just before the half hour.
Emery gave his take on the game and how, despite drawing level through Morgan Rogers after the break, his side found it increasingly difficult as Palace grew strong in the final half hour.
He said: “We played the first 30 minutes, controlling of the game and more or less dominating. We were creating chances, and we were not conceding the chances of them.
“The first corner we conceded, the first chance they had, they scored. It was tough for us. Then, progressively, we were getting worse.
“We drew (level in) the second half, and in that moment we (thought) maybe it is the moment we can again react, dominating the match again, keeping ball possession better and trying to stop them.
“But they scored the second goal, the third goal, and it was progressively, of course, more difficult for us. We were not dominating a lot of duels as well with them.
“It’s tough to lose here. We have to accept it. We are frustrated and we have to try to move on.”
With just three days until Emery’s men are back in action, the Villa boss is focused on a quick response and recovery from tonight’s disappointment, as they welcome Cardiff City to Villa Park in FA Cup action on Friday night.
The Spaniard has called for his side to remain positive as they aim to continue competing in both the FA Cup and Champions League, while improving their consistency in Premier League action.
He added: We are thinking now, there are another two competitions we have for the next weeks to play – in the FA Cup, and to play as well in the Champions League.
“We will wait for the next match in Premier League, trying to recover our consistency like we did more or less before, or last year, but this year, it’s been more difficult in the Premier League.
“Now, we have to be motivated with our supporters in Villa Park in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
“Of course, we have to accept with a small frustration the result today, and try to recover our consistency in Premier League for the next month.
“But of course, be motivated, and be sharing our good moments as well in the FA Cup and Champions League.”
