Aston Villa manager Unai Emery claimed his side lacked consistency in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal of the game in the 39th minute, with the Reds able to hold on to their lead and take a big step towards securing Champions League qualification. The Portuguese international made the most of Emi Martinez parrying Marcus Rashford's shot to slot home from close range.
With Newcastle having also won in their game against Southampton, Erik ten Hag's side remain two points behind the Magpies in the top-flight table. However, the Reds have a game in hand on Eddie Howe's men and will have the chance to move above them when they face Brighton on Thursday night.
ALSO READ: Man United midfielder Van de Beek gives encouraging injury update
After the game at Old Trafford, Villa boss Emery admitted he was frustrated that his team played without 'personality' in the first half of the clash with United. He also suggested it was difficult for them to control the game like they have done in recent weeks.
"In ninety minutes you have to be more consistent, try to control the game like we are trying to build," Emery said on BBC Match of the Day. "But of course we are playing against Manchester United, they were pushing us, playing in their stadium with their supporters.
"We didn't have our usual personality that we have in the first half. In the second half we improved and were better to reduce the distance. We didn't get a lot of good chances but the second half was better for us and we could have scored one goal. We tried to be strong in our game plan.
"We were trying to progress quickly and trying to avoid risk but in football you have to take risks to improve. We were competitive in the second half and I think today was a bad result but the match gave us a lot of information."
Villa now find themselves nine points behind United in the table as they chase a European spot. The Reds, meanwhile, are closing in on a confirmed top-four finish. Ten Hag's men will also take on rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final in early June.
READ NEXT:
