"We have to accept that we were facing a Tottenham who are contenders to finish in the top four like us. We have to be consistent, we needed more. Of course we are still fourth but today we lost a very good opportunity.

"We have to accept and react quick. We have to try to correct and analyse the match. Today we are disappointed with the result, but we are accepting it.

"We are focusing on the match on Thursday, again we will need our supporters here at Villa Park.

"We played very well in the first half, we controlled the game and didn't concede chances. We were very good in the transition but we weren't clinical.

"Of course we conceded two goals and it was very difficult. After the red card it was more difficult even. I think John McGinn is always playing with passion. It's his second red card I think in 600 matches. I think he's always honest and very competitive. His intention is not bad.

"We are going to move on. Move on to Thursday and next Sunday.

"We compete very well in the first half, there weren't very many chances from them.

"We weren't clinical because they were defending very well and we didn't control the game. The match was controlled more or less in the plan we prepared.

"In the second half, the first two goals were crazy. After the red card it was more difficult to get a result.

"We have to control our emotions, even when we are losing 2-0. We have a responsibility to be mature. We are still fourth in the table but of course we have to accept to lose. Today we weren't clinical and we weren't better than the opponent. Then we lost control of our emotions and the red card was dissapointing for me.

"Of course John McGinn is always very, very important. He wishes to compete after the second goal.

"Then the match was difficult to come back. They score two goals. Still, there is two points difference but they have one match in hand. Of course we have to move on.

"Now we are thinking of Thursday. We have a very good match against Ajax, that is our focus."

Unai Emery, post match.



"Really disappointing. First half I felt like we had a few opportunities on the break, I had one myself.

"Second half, we've come out a little bit slow, they've scored two goals really quickly. It's very difficult against a good side to come back from 2-0. Obviously with our captain getting sent off as well, it's difficult.

"I can definitely do better, as a team we can do better. But look, this game doesn't define us. We've done unbelievable to get where we are today. We've still got a lot of football to play.

"The sending off I think is harsh. Obviously it looks a little bit reckless because it's in front of their bench and a big reaction from their side. It's obviously a tough one to take.

"If someone says you lose the game but you finish with 10 men then I'd take that. John McGinn is so important for us. That's the biggest nail in the coffin, losing him for three games.

"I believe in us, [Champions League qualification] is in our hands."

Ollie Watkins, post match.


"Disappointing result. The second half was a very, very bad day in the office. The first we played in our game plan doing well. We controlled the game more defensively than offensively. We had transition but we weren’t clinical and when we needed to keep possession they are keeping good press.

"Overall we were in our plan in the first half and in the second half we tried to correct some tactical change with the ball and we conceded so quick and the red card was the moment the match was over for us.

"We played like that. Trying to build up with three and be higher with Cash and we are trying to create a strong structure and playing with centre-backs sometimes and with full-backs trying to be strong against physical players.

"Today in the first half we decide to stop them with playing two full-backs wide and three centre-backs trying to jump and we achieved it but the second half changed because of the two goals.

"John has played here and been strong, comfortable and very passionate. He is not a player doing things with bad intentions. The red card can be a red card but no bad intentions. He spoke a lot with the players I told them keep going and think about Thursday and then the game against West Ham.

“I think we were ready to play and not be tired. The circumstances in the second half they got the first goal and the second goal was a mistake we made and at 2-0 we tried to push and score but to change I put fresh players on but the red card changed the match.

"We are building our mentality. We were progressively getting better and being emotionally mature. We have to try and control emotion when we are under pressure. The maturity of the players here is getting better.

"We lost so so easy the second half our moment to take the game calm, playing and trying to come back. The red card makes it more difficult and of course we will analyse but the most important in Premier League is to be consistent 38 matches. Of course we are sad and disappointed.

"We have Tim in the squad and he played on Thursday and today 20 minutes we have Tielemans, two similar players and sometimes when they play they need one stopper player close to them. I’m going to give the opportunity.”

Unai Emery, post match.