Steven Gerrard has talked up the mentality of his Aston Villa squad after they recorded a scrappy 1-0 win over Southampton on Friday night.
Villa went into the contest at their home ground having collected just four points from their opening six matches in the Premier League.
Although they earned a 1-1 draw against defending champions Manchester City in their last outing, facing an emerging Southampton side represented a different kind of challenge.
However, a close-range finish from Jacob Ramsey secured all three points for the West Midlands outfit to move the club into 13th position in the standings.
Despite Villa having produced better performances this season, Gerrard was full of praise for the "effort, application and commitment" of his players.
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As quoted by BBC Sport, the Englishman said: "It wasn't pretty or stylish but, with where we were in the league, we knew we had to do it in a pragmatic way.
"I'm really proud of the boys' effort, application and commitment. We played better than we did last time. In football, you have to grind and fight and be committed and we worked hard today.
"We will get better in terms of style and possession and that will come but tonight was about the points."
Gerrard was also quick to acknowledge the criticism that had been directed at his side, the majority of it deserved after defeats to Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
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However, Gerrard suggests that his Villa side could turn a corner now as they bid to make progress up the table after the international break.
He added: "Maybe we tried to force it a bit tonight but as we move up the table, maybe that's when the pretty stuff will come. It has been a tough period but I've wanted to step forward and protect my players.
"I've tried to fight and move up this table. We have accepted a lot of criticism and it's about reacting and that is what we have done tonight."
Villa are next in action when they square off against Leeds United at Elland Road on October 2.
Darren Plant
