Emery’s side offered very little as they hosted Roberto De Zerbi’s resurgent Tottenham at Villa Park, having just five shots and creating an xG of 0.51.
The Spaniard clearly had their Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest in mind when the line-up was announced.
Vill have now lost two consecutive Premier League games, but still sit in fifth, the final Champions League spot, with three games remaining.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Emery defended his decision to make seven changes, and praised Tottenham.
"Today we faced a team that played fantastically and they competed fantastically. They needed the points and they fought to get it,” he said.
"In the first half we didn't perform well, in the second half we reacted but it was not enough. In 35 games, things are very good and we have the advantage to still be in the top five but we must continue to be demanding.
"Maybe the points (for Champions League qualification) is not enough and we must try to recover our form and do the things we were doing - there are still three matches to go. They (Tottenham) played fantastic, they pressed, they won duels and we were not dominant in individual duels and they beat us."
On making seven changes: "Last week we lost against Fulham and which players played against Fulham? We played against Nottingham Forest and we lost. Today we lost with different players."
On Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg: "It's a different match, a different competition. We're in the semi-finals and of course we are going to enjoy the match and enjoy the process. To play in the semi-final of the Europa League is fantastic. I don't play one match like this in three years here.
"The supporters forget we are having a fantastic season and we are on the same points as Liverpool on 58."