Victory dedicated to the fans

"We produced a controlled and composed performance to win the game. We never panicked. We were only under real pressure for about ten minutes late on when they hit the post and could have scored. Apart from that spell, I never felt we were unable to control them.

"We had a plan today and it worked well. When you play here you need legs, discipline and stamina and we had them all.

"It's ironic that we scored the winner from the penalty spot considering how much bad luck we've had from the spot this season. Today, though, I think anyone who took it would have scored. Credit to Danny for taking it and putting it away.

"We needed a result today and I'm pleased our fate is still in our hands. Villa had a good win today which keeps them in it and we'll have to see how Newcastle do tomorrow.

"I said there will be twists and turns right through to the end of the season but we know what we have to do over the last three games.

"If we win them and finish fourth then I would consider this season to be a success considering the amount of injuries we have had to contend with.

"We have our players back now and look at what we were able to do today with a fully fit squad."

Click here to listen to Houllier's post match comments.