Houllier: We showed character and determination

By Craig McWalter
April 15 2002

Liverpool Boss Gerard Houllier was pleased after his side bounced back after the European Cup Defeat to Leverkusen in midweekto beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Read on.

Houllier was delighted by the way The Pool bounced back from the defeat to Leverkusen.

Michael Owen scored the only goal of the game lobbing the ball over the Sunderland keeper after a brilliant ball through by Steven Gerrard.

"A good team is one that doesn't lose twice in a row and the players deserve a lot of credit," said Houllier.

"They were brave, worked very hard and in terms of energy they were brilliant.

"We know Sunderland is not an easy place to come and win but I thought we showed the character and determination not to concede a goal and take advantage of any opportunities that came up.

"We could have sealed the game with Nicolas Anelka and it's not good for my heart at the minute!

"I'm proud because we have beaten a very strong team and the boys really deserve a round of applause for that.

"Arsenal are still in command but tonight we assured finishing in the top four so are in the Champions League next season. I said our next European campaign starts tonight and they started in the best way."