Premier League reports: Dalglish cites team spirit

Kenny Dalglish believed a happy team spirit was behind Liverpool's biggest win of the season, while Gary McAllister says Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is doing well in hopsital.

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Aston Villa 1 // Stoke 1

Gary McAllister said Gerard Houllier was doing well in hospital, but said there was no timetable for when the Frenchman would be released. McAllister acted as stand-in manager for yesterday's draw with Stoke as Houllier rested in hospital after experiencing chest pains. Said McAllister: "All the signs are encouraging. It won't be Gerard or Aston Villa's decision when he comes back. It will be rest and medicine."

Blackpool 1 // Newcastle 1

Ian Holloway is still optimistic that his Blackpool side can beat the drop despite them having to be content with one point against Newcastle. The Blackpool manager admitted he had feared the worst when Peter Lovenkrands put Newcastle in front, before Dudley Campbell levelled things. "We needed a reaction and got one and I am delighted for the lads," he said. "That will give the fans some belief we can get out of this."

Liverpool 5 // Birmingham 0

Kenny Dalglish believed a happy team spirit was behind Liverpool's biggest win of the season as they routed Birmingham at St Andrews. "They are all playing for each other and the players are going to play better if they are confident and if they are happy going to work they will get better results," the Liverpool manager said. "We played some fantastic football and we have had a good day and it was very enjoyable."

Sunderland 4 // Wigan 2

Roberto Martinez remained bullish about Wigan's chances of staving off relegation despite seeing them well-beaten at Sunderland. The Latics have dropped into the bottom three as a result of the loss, but their Spanish manager said: "It is quite clear now - we have got 12 points to fight for and we have got two home fixtures. We are really excited. We are looking forward to the next 12 points."

Wolves 1 // Fulham 1

Mick McCarthy is not convinced his team will need more than 40 points to beat the drop. After drawing with Fulham the Wolves manager said: "Three wins would be lovely, but I'm not so sure it will take that. You tell me all the teams out of the bottom three that are going to get those two or three wins, and where they are going to come from. I'm not going to put pressure on our lot by saying we need three wins."