Villa lost to the Bees on penalties after the match ended at 1-1, with Harvey Elliott scoring for the visitors before Brentford equalised through Aaron Hickey.
Emery said, “We improved things and we scored one goal, which is important as well.
“We drew but we created chances to win the match. I think we deserved something more – we competed well.
“We used in the starting XI some players who joined us in the last moments of the transfer window. They need minutes to get confidence and feel comfortable in our structure, trying to adapt as soon as possible.
“They played and they performed well. We created chances and in the last minute were pushing to win the match, and I think the spirit we showed today is the spirit I want.
“I’m grateful for the supporters. Their effort was here and they were supporting us. We’re a little bit disappointed, but we have our way and I want to try to get strong in our way.
“Today we lost but I want to keep going, to keep improving things, giving some players minutes we need to add in the squad. We keep going thinking now about Sunderland on Sunday.”
Positives
On the positives from the Cup defeat, Emery also said: "Harvey Elliott showed his qualities to us and he scored one goal.
“The press we did with John McGinn was really fantastic, and then in 90 minutes we created three or four clear chances and even hit the post with Jadon Sancho.
“I think we’re getting better. There’s still work to do and we’re going to practice, preparing the game on Sunday.
“We have to work hard like we were doing, with the new structure and new players we have who joined us two weeks ago.
“We have to improve and we have to keep the same progression we were doing and showing today.”