Gerard Houllier was delighted with his players' focus for Aston Villa's win at Wigan Athletic.
Houllier admitted he expected a hangover from their victory over Manchester City.
He said: "I was slightly questioning the fact that, on the back of the Manchester City performance, we would be flat physically.
"In fairness to the boys I think they responded extremely well. They kept focused and determined. It was not an easy game, they were just three points behind us.
"They started well, they started with the foot flat on the pedal. We managed to stay composed and had a couple of chances.
"In the second half I thought we dominated most of the game, controlled it and passed the ball around. We probably deserved the lead and at 2-1, that is where I think the team has mentally progressed and improved.
"There was no sign of panic. They threw everything to get an equaliser but we stayed in place."
