Steven Gerrard was proud of his Aston Villa players for standing up to the challenge thrown at them by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
A fiery atmosphere in the early stages failed to deter Villa as they dominated the first half, eventually getting their reward when Emi Buendía scored in stoppage time.
Equally impressive was the manner of the second half display as Gerrard’s side found answers to everything that the Toffees could throw at them.
He said: “We knew we would have to stand up and be counted today. To a man, we were excellent all over the pitch.
“It was a game of two halves, in terms of the style. First half, we had the chance to play some really good football; we did that and created some interesting chances and scored a good goal.
“That took us in at half-time in a good place and then it was about can we adapt to what’s coming. Duncan’s thrown more petrol on the fire, if you like, and it was long balls, second balls, putting your body on the line and really fighting for three points.
“I’m really proud of what the players gave.”
After impressing in recent weeks, Buendía was once again in the middle of Villa’s best moments on Merseyside.
The playmaker, who was recalled to the Argentina squad this week, netted a fine header, delighting his head coach with his performance as much as his goal.
Gerrard said: “He’s not known for it, but every time I’ve seen him compete in the air - it doesn’t matter who he’s up against whether they’re 6 foot 2, 3, 4 or 5 - he goes up and puts his body on the line.
“It was a fantastic header and he deserves all the credit and headlines that are going to come his way.
“I was really happy with his all round performance because he’s all in for the cause, the badge and the fans. We need more of that.”
Watch the full interview with Gerrard below...
