Gerard Houllier has handed Blackpool his utmost respect after their battling performance at Villa Park.
Victorious boss full of praise for visiting Blackpool
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has handed beaten opponents Blackpool his utmost respect after their battling performance at Villa Park.
Despite making 10 changes, Ian Holloway's side lost none of their positive energy and twice came from behind but ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat to the hosts.
Villa struggled with the visitors at times but home advantage allowed Houllier's men to prevail in an exciting game with the Frenchman praising efforts on both parts.
"I don't want to take anything away from our side's performance, but Blackpool is a very positive team," Houllier told
Sky Sports.
"They go forward, they throw everything at you in terms of their defensive play and they have good players.
"Every time I've seen them play it's always an entertaining game because they really go forward all the time and they have a certain style which suits them well.
"It's not a long ball, it's more of a diagonal ball and they try to put the ball around the back of defence."
Villa reward
Houllier also heaped praise on his own side for taking the lead three times, with James Collins heading the winner a minute from time.
"Twice they [Blackpool] came back and we never let our heads down and we were rewarded for that," added the Villa boss.
"I think the second half was much better, in terms of the football, it was probably extremely exciting for the fans.
"But we needed the three points and we got the three points after being a bit unlucky at Fulham."
The game also saw the return of Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who came off the bench following a five-week lay-off after surgery.
"Gabby has had an operation and I was pleased to put him back in the picture," added Houllier, ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Saturday.
