"Gerrard made the difference today for us and always you need players with his quality for winning," said Benitez.
"I would like to say thank you to the supporters as they were behind us all game and I am happy to win for them in our final home game of the season.
"When Aston Villa equalised I thought we were a little nervous so I brought Robbie Fowler on and he gave us more things. We held the ball up better and created chances.
"It was fantastic to take my children on the pitch at the end and be with our supporters."