Frank clutched at what was offered by that improvement, telling BBC Match of the Day: “The second half is the one we take away going forward. It’s what we would like to be. The energy, intensity, playing forward, being aggressive. We were dominating and created chances.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t score the second goal which would have given us an extra opportunity in the extra time. It’s always about trying to put two good halves together – that’s the aim.”
In the wider context, though, this was another bad day for Frank and Spurs, a club that always has big aspirations in the FA Cup.
Spurs are 14th in the Premier League and now out of this competition. Frank does not have the belief or support of many fans, meaning this was the latest day of disappointment for the head coach.
The reaction at half-time was highly toxic. The second half at least spared Frank a repeat at the end. It was more sweat than style, but still not enough to make up for the glaring inferiority and inadequacies of the first half.
A melee involving both sides’ players and staff drew attention from the home support’s disappointed reaction – Spurs were unhappy with Villa’s celebrations in front of their elated fans, especially Ollie Watkins in close proximity to Joao Palhinha, who then clashed with Rogers.
“I think it’s good passion. But we shouldn’t be bringing this passion only when we are behind,” said Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
“If we start a game like this, it will be a whole different game. We were nowhere near in the first half like what we did in the second. We need to do this for the full 90 minutes. Then we will be a totally different team.
“We have had too many ups and downs. We have too many games that we play at a good level and then there are games where we are way below our level. That’s what we need to work on and be more consistent.”
Frank has not been blessed with much good fortune aside from his own difficulties, with striker Richarlison suffering a hamstring injury as he chased with Villa defender Ezri Konsa in the first half.
In the past week, Spurs have also lost Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur to muscle problems.
The Danish manager told Match of the Day: “I under the frustrations. The fans were amazing in the second half. That unity together – the fans and players – everyone was full of energy and feeding off each other.
“We need to think how can we come out aggressive enough and with passion and how can the fans push us forward in spells when we are a little bit down, which will come in every football match.
“We have a very tough spell. We need to regroup and continue to try to put two very good halves together with very good intensity.”