Unai Emery praised the efforts of his players despite Aston Villa being knocked out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle.
Tammy Abraham gave Villa the lead but goalkeeper Marco Bizot was sent off on the verge of half-time, with Newcastle coming from behind to win in the second half.
“The players competed fantastic, but after we had the red card it was becoming more difficult in the second half,” Villa boss Emery said.
“We continued competing and the supporters were helping us. We were being resilient, but when they scored their first goal, it was little bit more difficult.
“We tried but it was not enough. Newcastle is a really fantastic team, and they’re contenders in this competition.
“After we lost, with the circumstances we had with the red card, I think we must analyse this match and this competition and feel like we’re improving.
“Today, we’re not happy but I watched some things in the squad that can help us for the future in Europa League and Premier League.
Emi Buendia took a knock during the game but Emery is hoping it is nothing serious.
“He got a kick, but I didn’t check with him about it,” he said. “I think this kick was hard for him, but that he will be okay.”