Aston Villa boss Unai Emery defended his players after their FA Cup replay defeat at home to Chelsea.

Villa were thumped 3-1 on Wednesday night, with Moussa Diaby scoring a late consolation for the hosts.

Emery later said: "We competed. We started the first 15 minutes creating chances but we didn't score. Maybe it was the key moment. And then they created chances, were clinical, and they scored.

"In the second half we started trying to score one more, to push and create some chances. We did not do this very clear and they scored the third goal. After that are speed was very good and the mentality as well. Even when we were losing 3-0 we created chances. We have to accept it.

"Chelsea is a very good team, they can play like tonight and get these performances. Of course we are going to try again and focus on the Premier League. We are being consistent there. It is a new challenge, and going for the league as well, it is important to be a contender at the end of the season.

"It's not a surprise because Chelsea can perform like this. We competed, but not over 90 minutes, in some periods. We have to accept it and of course we have to try to analyse and improve things."