Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier saluted his players after they stuttered into the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.

The Reds beat Vitesse Arnhem 1-0 at Anfield to go through 2-0 on aggregate, with Michael Owen scoring both goals.

But in front of a sparse crowd, the hosts looked as nervous and apprehensive as they have during their recent run of four Premiership defeats in five games.

Nevertheless, Houllier looked to the positives after a welcome result.

"It was a very professional performance," he said.

"Over the two legs, we deserved to qualify. I'm pleased and proud of the performance.

I thought today because of the situation perhaps we needed a scrappy 1-0 win Gerard Houllier

"When you are in troubled waters you have to refocus and make sure the attitude is right and I thought the attitude was perfect tonight.

"We were not complacent - we showed them high consideration."

Houllier did admit that the football his side played was not always easy on the eye.

"We have at times played some better football and lost, but I thought today because of the situation perhaps we needed a scrappy 1-0 win."

Visiting manager Mike Sonny was pleased with the way his side acquitted themselves in the second leg, after their woeful performance in Holland a fortnight ago.

"We played well and can take a lot of things from this Uefa Cup tournament.

"We were expecting more pressure from Liverpool. They had chances, but I thought we defended very well and we did not have too many problems."