Houllier said: "First of all we have beaten a good team. We knew they would be difficult to handle as they have great individual players. They do well against the top teams. We knew we had to beat a good team and I expected that sort of performance.
"We were well disciplined and mentally strong. The team organisation was good.
"There have been so many games this season where we have played much better, outplayed the opposition and dominated the match and only got a point or nothing out of it.
"Today I wanted us to be mentally strong, focussed and determined. They had chances but I'm pleased as we have beaten a good team. It has been a good work for us and this was a vital victory."