Steven Gerrard hailed his players as “remarkable” for the majority of Sunday’s Premier League finale against Manchester City.
Aston Villa sent shockwaves around the top-flight by taking the lead in the first half before seemingly ending City’s title challenge when they went 2-0 up in the second half.
However, Pep Guardiola’s team came roaring back with a blistering spell of football that produced three goals in five minutes late on to clinch the trophy.
Gerrard said: “The players were remarkable for 70 minutes.
“Everything we asked them to do, they did it plus more. The game plan was working fantastically, and we had the game where we wanted it.
“We also had two or three other moments in the game to hurt City, but we decided to go into protection mode too soon and we stopped playing.
“To be fair to City, they were relentless in the final stages.”
The visiting Villans produced an assured display punctuated by moments of quality in attack and bravery at the back.
Gerrard felt there were plenty of positive elements to build upon as he looks forward to getting stuck into his first full season as Villa head coach.
“For large parts, I was very proud and happy with what I’ve seen today, and I’m sure the fans would echo that,” he said.
“Unfortunately we haven’t got the result, so I’m sure they’re feeling the frustrations just like myself.
“What I can assure them is we’ll come back better and stronger. We’ll work tirelessly in the background to strengthen this team and this squad.
“That starts now. In fact, it’s already started and they’ll see that in the coming days and weeks.”
