Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: "Good evening. Every match we are facing is very difficult. More or less our challenge now is to try to be more consistent than we were before. Brighton have been very good in their matches here. The opponent was with us and we competed very well. We had enough chances to score and we were clinical.

"We weren't performing very well defensively and conceding more goals than usual. Today is a clean sheet and we are getting balance. Those three points are very important for the table. On Saturday we have Nottingham and we know how difficult that will be.

"Try to be compact defensively and respect the opponent. Win some duels. This is the only way I know.

"Keep going is the message for him [Rashford]. Playing more minutes means he's getting physically better, he's scoring more goals. We're playing him as a striker and trying to compete with Watkins. Maybe going forward we can play them together.

"Try to exploit his [Rashford's] qualities. He's in the best confidence moment. On Sunday we planned to play him as a striker and he scored two goals so I decided to go again and he scored.

"We will analyse the match today and prepare for Nottingham Forest. The table is very tight. They are going fanatic this year. They are feeling confident, feeling so comfortable playing each match being successful."

Image source, Reuters

Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports: I thought it was a bitty performance and not us at our finest. We had to grind out a win, especially when Brentford came out fast in the second half.

"We thought the emotion could carry us but there was some fatigue in our play but I am happy to get through. Sandro but I thought he had another great game today. I am delighted he scored. We had a few players with various problems.

"Alex [Isak] was feeling his groin so we took him off as a precaution.

"This win is massive and keeps us up there and it will do us the world of good."

Leicester City

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We all hoped for a better performance. It was a flat game. I expected more intensity, that we could get closer to [Manchester] City and stop them playing more and create a bit more on the break. City dominated the game completely, the early goals helped them a lot. In the end it's another defeat another game we didn't score it's tough for all of us. There's no other way than to continue.

"We're all doing everything we can. We have the training pitch to work on things, finishing, crossing, the final third, we're trying everything. Players are trying but the ball doesn't want to go in. Like today we created nothing and other times we create but can't finish. Set pieces is something we're working on but it's not giving us a lot. Tough moment we're in, run of form, lack of goals. We have to stick together as a team.

"Keep the spirits up is the biggest task we're facing. We know the situation in the table and for us it's eight games and we have to represent ourselves. There on we can get levels and performances and turn things around. We have to work on belief and togetherness and keep emphasising that. It's going to be a long season even though it's only eight games."

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Luis Diaz was the bright spark. Mo Salah was non-existent.

Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It wasn't pretty. I don't think we played as well as we did against Liverpool.

"Tonali has a thunderbolt of a strike when he does go for goal. I am mightily relieved to see it hit the net.

"Always after the international break the games are different. We had players in different physical moments and we looked to have picked up a few minor injuries but hopefully nothing to keep anyone out of the next game.

"We are relieved to come through with the three points."

Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

The first half of the season was very controlled from Liverpool. What we are seeing now is teams are finding of ways to get at Liverpool.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We lost 3-0 so we have to deal with it. In the end, it's about winning games and we weren't able to do that today.

"We didn't do the things we could influence. The first goal was from the corner. Small margins make the difference.

What they can do better: "High pressure, the right positioning. Be in the right position from the corner. We have to be better.

On disallowed goal: "Every decision was right."

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: "After the goal for them, the game changed. They defended in a low block and it was quite good. We weren't able to create any more chances. The first goal changed the game.

"It was frustrating in that moment to concede a goal so easily. We were dominant. We needed a bit of time. We scored but it was disallowed. It was a mix of everything but we have to do it better.

"These are the things we can influence on the pitch. How we are positioned off the corner and high pressure. We need to do these right otherwise you don't deserve to win.

"I would say we were just not precise. I don't think the maturity would have made the difference today.

"Do the small things right. To do the things we need to win on the pitch. These we have to maximize. We have to work on this and we have to take the next chance on Saturday."

Since a run of eight consecutive scoring appearances in all competitions in January and February, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has only scored two goals in six games, both penalties against Southampton on 8 March.

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Huge relief.

A lot of Liverpool fans came here tonight thinking, 'please win at any cost, make sure you get across the line'.

They know what Everton are like, they sit in deep and they also realise that under David Moyes Everton carry a threat going forward.

They thought this could have been the night that Everton came here and spoiled the party.

They were poor Liverpool, but they have done enough to get across the line.

Everton did not have a shot on target today. Although Beto had a goal disallowed for offside and hit the post.

Brentford

Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo speaking to Premier League Productions: "It is a hard one tonight and we deserved more. It was good performance but at the end it was not enough. I think we knew it was going to be a tough game against a very good side and at the end it was a bit frustrating. It is hard to take.

"We knew it is important to get the points away. It is always tough to come here. It is really tight and we are going to give it our best game by game and see where it takes us."

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy speaking to Sky Sports: "Bad start. Concede early and then a second at 29 minutes. Then we have to control to make sure it's not three or four at half-time.

"Not scoring, losing games, bad start is extra hard to recover from. Situation we're in, only by hard work can we get out. The gap is huge now it's a challenge. Nevertheless we have eight games to play and we have to represent ourselves in the best possible way and that's a challenge."

Difficult not scoring when a goal scorer yourself: "Ironic isn't it? Hard for all of us. We're working, trying things. We want to improve, the two goals we conceded are our own mistakes and you can't afford that especially away at City. Scoring goals is a problem, the ball doesn't seem to go in.

"Today before the game I mentioned it because the gap was already big. I asked the players that the remanining moments we have at this level we have to make the most of it no matter the table or the score in the game. We have to go from first to last minute and give it everything.

"We can be real about it, 12 points eight games to play. It's a very big difference, too much. Focus on game to game and presenting ourselves in the best possible way. That is the main target now."

Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to BBC Match of the Day: "We didn't concede anything except one thing at the end. It wasn't easy with 10 players behind the ball in the box. We missed the third goal to be more relaxed, it's never over. But pleased for a good performance.

"We never give up to find the third goal. A performance that nothing wrong happened, everyone focussed we missed a third goal that's all."

Jack Grealish: "Not easy when you don't play regularly. Goal good for him and playing in a more central position he's more comfortable on the sides. He's playing really good."

Omar Marmoush: "Everyone has to be involved, the players closer to the box and the goal. He has a good sense, good numbers for the short time he's been with us. Dynamic, good pressing, really pleased for him."

Oscar Bobb: "He's struggled a lot. He's fought a lot to come back from the injury, a long time ago he's struggled a lot. I'm really pleased how the people take care of him and the fans pleased for him. Step by step, he's back."

Champions League? "Eight games left. Every game is vital. After the tough game in Bournemouth, making the semi-final to come here after just three days. Helped us to score early, we missed the third goal that's all. The rest was good."

John Bennett
BBC 5 Live at St James’ Park

Did Sandro Tonali mean to score his wonder goal tonight to win the game for Newcastle or was it a cross?

On 5 Live Sport I said that he did it on purpose, spotting the keeper off his line from a ridiculously tight angle.

But he’s proved me wrong just now in a post match interview - kind of - saying it was “70% a cross". So at least 30% was a wonder goal. I’m going for the 30%.

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

It wasn't pretty, but it didn't have to be.

The one thing Liverpool had to do was win at all costs - they have done that. A disappointing game, in terms of quality. Everton made themselves hard to beat.

Liverpool came out with more energy and that moment of quality from Diogo Jota set up the game.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, speaking to Sky Sports: "We knew this was an important game for us, it was must win. We came to win and that's what we did. The Champions League is the main goal. We'll focus on Saturday, another big one for us.

"I thought defensively we were excellent. All 11 of us stuck together. I didn't feel threatened at all. We managed to get them on the counter-attack a few times and we got a few goals.

"It was the desire from everyone. We've kept a few clean sheets in a row. In the last few games we've shown we can do it.

On Rashford: "He's got a smile on his face again. He looks like he's enjoying football again. I'm so pleased for him.

"We have to take it game by game. Now it's all eyes on Saturday."

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter at Anfield

Red smoke in the Kop End.

Chants of "we're gonna win the league" echo round around Anfield.

Arne Slot is on the pitch and pumping his fists towards the supporters.

It's tantalisingly close for them now.

Newcastle United

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali speaking to Premier League Productions: "The start of the second half was tough and Brentford pushed but we are a solid team as well and we had a good reaction. This win is nice for the Champions League for us, we have a good week and it is perfect for this week."

On whether he meant his goal: "Honestly, it was 70% cross and 30% shot. It was difficult for the goalkeeper and difficult also for me. Also a little bit of luck."

On Alexander Isak scoring again: "I am happy for him because Alex is a great striker and maybe one of the best in the world now. I think he scores every game. We work for him because when Alex scores, very often we win the game. We are happy. I think Alex now is the best in the world."

On the season's ambitions: "Now we play only for the first five teams, for the Champions League. It is a little bit tough but we are lucky because there are five teams in the Champions League this season. The team is a little bit free so it is much better for me and for the fans. Now we have nine finals to get back into the Champions League.

"I think I am happy for the trophy for these fans because these fans deserve it. Every game we have 52,000 people in the stadium and this is amazing for football. I am so happy to play every game in this stadium and with these fans it is amazing."

Image source, Getty Images