Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the character of his players after they rallied from a goal behind to defeat relegation-threatened Aston Villa 2-1.

Villa looked on course for a third successive win after leading at the interval through Christian Benteke’s 18th goal of the campaign. But the Reds equalised through Jordan Henderson early in the second period and then skipper Steven Gerrard’s penalty sealed victory for the visitors.

“Our character was outstanding today,” Rodgers told Sky Sports 1. “We created chances in the first half, in the second half we upped the tempo. It was a real tough game for us.

“Our quality was there as well, and the rhythm and flow of our passing was good.”

The quality of Liverpool’s equaliser particularly delighted the Anfield boss.

Philippe Coutinho was the architect, his defence-splitting pass from the left channel seized on by Henderson who confidently lofted the ball past Brad Guzan.

“It was a wonderful pass, and Jordan’s had a touch and his finish was fantastic because he’s got a wee bit of time to think about it,” he said. “I’m really pleased for him and young Philippe has got great, great quality.”

Liverpool captain Gerrard felt the visitors did not deserve to be trailing at the break and felt they were rewarded in the second half.

“We felt hard done-by to be trailing at half-time. We thought we should have been at least level,” said Gerrard. “We needed to give an extra 10 per cent. We had to take a few more risks in their final third and it came off today.”

With Liverpool now seventh, three points behind rivals Everton, Gerrard says all the Reds can do now is go out at get three points every week.

[“WE HAVE TO]win every game, finish as high as we can,” he said. “If we can nick fifth or six, that’s what we’ll try and do.”