'Punch in the face' - John McGinn and Unai Emery agree to disagree after Aston Villa FA Cup heartbreak

Unai Emery couldn’t be prouder of his players despite Aston Villa’s devastating 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley.

The Villans flattered to deceive and were outclassed by Palace in what turned out to be a rather one-sided FA Cup semi-final, at least on the goalscoring front.

Eberechi Eze thundered in a 25-yard stunner to open the scoring in the first half before Ismaila Sarr netted a clinical brace in the second period to put the result beyond doubt.

Villa made errors for all three goals as Pau Torres gave away the ball in the lead-up to Eze’s opener and Youri Tielemans was dispossessed directly before both of Sarr’s strikes. It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from Emery’s men as they showed signs of their passive display away at Manchester City on Tuesday.

Emery, perhaps controversially so, took many positives from his players’ display despite the nature of the defeat.

“We started the second half with the idea to try to dominate and be more aggressive offensively,” insisted Emery during his post-match press conference.

“We created chances, but not clear chances...the match was equal between both teams. They were still being dangerous in transition and they had one or two chances.

“I am thankful for our supporters because they were excited and motivated for the semi-final. We appreciated how we can share motivation with them. Congratulations to Crystal Palace because they deserved to win.”

Pride still Emery’s overriding emotion

It’s proven to be a decisive week for Villa’s season. No team in Europe’s top five leagues could boast better form over the last 10 outings before the City clash but it all feels like it’s fallen apart since. Losing a six-pointer at the Etihad was a huge blow in the race for Champions League qualification and now the FA Cup dream is over.

Villa fans have every right to be frustrated at their team and Emery after such a heartbreaking week. There’s very little to be proud of from the City and Palace defeats, even if there was so much to hold heads high about from the many games before those. It’s a tricky one to digest, and it could take many days for Villans to fully recover from the rollercoaster of emotions.

Nonetheless, Emery is adamant that pride should rise above the disappointment as it’s still been a successful season. Reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the last eight of the Champions League - all while remaining competitive in the Premier League - has to be seen as a step in the right direction, Emery feels.

“I am disappointed and frustrated, but also so, so proud of the players we have and how we are trying to be ambitious,” added Emery.

“Now, I can tell you that winning a trophy is very important. The responsibility we have with Aston Villa is in the history. Winning this trophy is massive.

“How we are getting the objective through the Premier League is most important. I told you at the start of the season to enjoy the Champions League and get something, because the FA Cup and Carabao Cup we have to work strongly for, but be consistent and get performances through the Premier League.

“I’m sorry for our supporters, really disappointed. I am dominating my frustration and I know how we are doing this way and how we can be proud of everything we are doing.”

McGinn not on same wavelength as Emery, at least initially

Villa skipper John McGinn offered a rather candid synopsis of the crushing loss at Wembley. Emery may have said that his team matched Palace in many departments, at least publicly, but McGinn will have to agree to disagree with his manager as he feels Villa were well beaten.

"We weren't at our best, it was clear,” admitted McGinn. “There are big moments in the game that Crystal Palace did better than us. I don't think anyone could watch the game and think Palace didn't deserve to win."

Despite not seeing eye to eye with Emery over the performance, McGinn agrees that Villa can bounce back from this difficult week. The bigger picture represents a mighty rise and that shouldn’t be forgotten, the captain thinks.

"We have had a lot of praise for last couple of seasons, now we will get criticism. We've got to take it on the chin, puff our chests out and try to stay together,” added McGinn.

"It is easy for a day like this to disrupt and dismantle what we are building but we are building something special. Everyone within the club and outside the club can see that. The manager, the staff and the owners we've got, this club is set up and we'll be back here.

"At the moment it stings, but some days football comes and punches you in the face and today is one of those days."