Blackpool ended a run of five straight defeats with a stirring display after going a goal down after 10 minutes, while Villa were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Jean Makoun was given a straight red card after a challenge on DJ Campbell.
Darren Bent released Gabriel Agbonlahor on the left and he raced away before rounding Richard Kingson and firing a shot into the corner to give Villa the lead, but Blackpool regrouped and equalised through Elliot Grandin four minutes later.
Houllier said: "You have to show different qualities. We were resilient and disciplined. I am very proud of my players.
"It is not easy when you are away at Blackpool and down to 10 men. It was a hard-fought point. We came here to win the game and could have won it after 25 minutes but I have to give my players credit."
Houllier explained he had replaced England striker Bent with Emile Heskey in the second half simply because he was tired, adding: "He had a full game for the national team. What with the travelling he wasn't as lively as usual."
Source: PA
Source: PA