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Under-criticized Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank ‘Injured’ from FA Cup exit aston villabut defended and criticized his enthusiastic players after the full-time melee Ollie Watkins.
A fierce second-half rally could not prevent Spurs from another early exit from the domestic cup, increasing the pressure on Frank, who has lost seven of his past 13 games after this 2-1 defeat.
Frank has endured a nightmare week after he inadvertently used a coffee cup emblazoned with the logo of Tottenham’s rivals. arsenal before losing 3-2 bournemouth First-half goals from Villa duo Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rodgers denied him a much-needed cup run on Wednesday.
Wilson Odobert reduced the deficit in the 55th minute and Spurs created more chances in the second half but they eventually failed again, prompting more boos for Frank, with Villa’s away supporters mocking the Danish coach and chanting that he was an Arsenal fan.
After full-time, Frank’s Brentford senior striker Watkins celebrated in front of Palinha, who then clashed with Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa. Players from both teams rushed in, creating an ugly scene, but Villa made progress.
“We are all injured. No matter who we face, the most important thing we want to do is get to the next round. We are playing at home and we have a good chance, but unfortunately we cannot advance,” Frank said.
Asked whether his players lost control after clashing with Spurs fans away at Bournemouth, Frank said: “I don’t think so.
“I assume you’ve seen the situation? I just saw it to make sure I saw what I saw. It was all about staying calm, of course.
“The players gave everything and gave everything but to lose a tight game and the season was not perfect, I think Ollie was very provocative.
“The way he celebrated in front of the Villa fans and the way he walked into Joao, he could move around with ease. I think everyone is competitive and that’s difficult and can trigger things.
“You need to play with passion and when you play with passion, sometimes you play to the line and sometimes it’s a little bit on the edge.
“I see players who are passionate and want to do well for the club.”
Unai Emery made six changes after Villa endured a tough schedule but they managed a 13th win in 15 games.
“90 minutes went by and with the momentum we had, with the momentum they had, I think we deserved to win,” Emery said before deciding to praise referee Craig Pawson.
“Of course we have to respect the referee, we have to respect the game. It’s just that we were a little angry because (Bubakar) Kamara got hurt in a move with Palinha, but I thought the referee did a great job today.
“There are moments that happen to some players and I think we can understand what happens on the field.”