Hurzeler: I'm frustrated but we showed a good reaction

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Head coach reflects on Wednesday's narrow 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa

Bruce Talbot

2026-02-11T22:00+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler has a chat with Villa head coach Unai Emery before kick-off. 📷James Boardman

Fabian Hurzeler felt his side deserved more after a late goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

Ferdi Kadioglu hit the bar and Albion went close on other occasions in a tight game decided by Tyrone Mings’ 86th-minute header.

But the head coach said he saw a lot of positives in Albion’s performance.

“I’m definitely frustrated, but we showed a good reaction to Sunday and I learned a lot about the players in the last days in terms of their character and how they stick together. You could see that in the performance.

“I'm sorry for our fans who were absolutely amazing and who supported us for 90 minutes. We deserve to win but we have to keep going.

“We conceded the set-piece goal out of nowhere. I think we controlled the game in the second half but small margins make the difference in Premier League games. We have to keep analysing it and control the controllables. We will go again and we are all convinced that we get the results.

Pascal Gross lifts the ball into the box as Albion build pressure after the break. 📷 James Boardman

“We have to keep pushing. The only way to do that is by being ourselves on the training pitch and using an extra opportunity in the FA Cup on Saturday against Liverpool to make it better."

Hurzeler confirmed that he withdrew Carlos Baleba in the first half to protect him after he picked up a booking in the second minute. He was replaced by James Milner, who equalled the Premier League record held by Gareth Barry when he made his 653rd appearance.

“It is a special night for James,” said Hurzeler. “It’s no coincidence that he’s still proving he can play in the Premier League. It’s a pleasure to work with him and have him in our squad as a player and role model.”