Licensed to chill: Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier rises above fans' barbs to win some breathing space

By Neil Moxley Last updated at 12:52 AM on 13th December 2010

If Gerard Houllier is feeling the pressure he must be a master of disguise. The most turbulent week of his Aston Villa career may have been brought to a successful close. But if anyone was expecting his face to show the strain of the controversy that has dogged him since his return to Anfield, they were to be disappointed.

As if flicking a stray grey hair from his lapel, he brushed aside any hint that he was feeling under the cosh and said after this 2-1 win over Midlands rivals West Bromwich: 'Well, that was exciting, wasn't it?'

Vital strike: Emile Heskey stoops to direct a header past West Brom keeper Scott Carson

It was as if the barrage of abuse following the events at Liverpool five days previously when Villa slipped to their fourth straight defeat had washed over him.

Of course, Houllier is wise and old enough to know that he contributed to his own downfall. But plenty of his managerial colleagues would have worn a smug look after this win that came courtesy of goals from Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey.

Instead, to his credit, Villa's boss took it in his stride, insisting that taking repeated heavyweight shots comes with the job.

'It's been exciting, hasn't it?' he said.

'It was probably putting pressure on me, but it has been exciting. We needed that result. The players, the supporters - everyone at the club.

'For me, this job is 80 per cent aggravation. The difficulties, the problems, every day and every minute. Only about 20 per cent is great.

'This week it has probably been 90 per cent aggravation and 10 per cent satisfying. When it gets to that level, it must be the love of the game that keeps me here. It must be that. I'm 63 and I'm here. It must be because I like the club and the project.

'I think perhaps I was born for this. It's all about taking decisions. And what's easy in life? I'm getting a bit older now, so I don't get fired up as much as I did before. And when I can't do it any more, I'll let you know.'

Smiles better: Gerard Houllier was lifted by Villa's win

This was a crucial triumph for Houllier. Any sign that the players' hearts weren't in this and the famous old arena would have played host to a civil war. Villa full back Eric Lichaj, who stuck gamely to his task after being given the runaround during the opening 45 minutes by Jerome Thomas, said the players had been left in little doubt as to the fans' feelings before kick-off.

Irrespective of the criticism that dogged Houllier, the people who matter clearly felt that the manager was being short-changed too.

'It started off badly,' admitted Lichaj. 'When we came out for the warm-up, some of the fans were booing us. But I guess that was to be expected.'

Villa's spin-doctors tried to maintain afterwards that it was West Bromwich supporters who were venting their displeasure and that the hosts' American defender had been mistaken.

Lift off: Downing celebrates his strike

But Villa have warmed up in front of the Holte End for generations and it's highly unlikely that the defender would have mixed up the two sets of fans. Carlos Cuellar's contribution should also be noted. The Spaniard was given a long-overdue recall in difficult circumstances.

His distribution may be of questionable standard, but he performed well during Houllier's first game at Wolves and his steady and unfussy influence was a major reason why Albion's bright start here was not rewarded.

'We must not fool ourselves,' said Houllier. 'We were under pressure out there.'

No kidding, Gerard. West Bromwich's players would have been kicking themselves on the short three-mile trip back to The Hawthorns that their first-half promise did not bring a better reward than Paul Scharner's late consolation.

For once, it was Albion manager Roberto di Matteo who was wearing a furrowed brow at the final whistle. Peter Odemwingie, sidelined by a knee injury, was sorely missed. In contrast, Houllier departed with a brief smile.

After the manner in which his team performed and his dignified response to a barrage of criticism, it was difficult to begrudge him that.