Friday 15 January 2016 12:22, UK
Aston Villa boss Remi Garde was delighted to get his first win in charge of the club as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in slightly fortuitous circumstances on Tuesday night.
Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a terrible mistake in allowing Joleon Lescott's header through his legs after 58 minutes, but Garde believed his side deserved the win.
"It's very important for the team, the club and everybody," Garde told Sky Sports. "We suffered so much the previous week and today we are very happy.
"We deserved to win, we put them under pressure which is what we wanted. Of course we won only 1-0 from a corner but we created many good opportunities and tried to attack. It's a good win for us.
"I'm pleased for the players as they put in a huge effort."
Garde also praised the crowd for their role in the victory, the first at Villa Park in the Premier League all season.
"It was a nice feeling to feel the crowd behind the players," he said. "It's very important and I always say that. The efforts by the players rewarded the attitudes of the fans."
Meanwhile, goalscorer Lescott added that he was pleased Villa were able to keep Crystal Palace at bay.
"It's massive," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously it's been a difficult time for us and we needed to grind out a win.
"At times we played well, but it's not about performances, it's about points and we're grateful to get the three. We've been unfortunate with some games this season so hopefully the new year will see a turn in our fortune."
Lescott also had a message for the Villa fans, who have suffered major disappointments this season but were jubilant at full-time
"We understand their frustrations," said the defender. "But they need to know that we care and it's important that they stick with us. We're not going to get carried away, but we can take pride from that performance."
