The Welsh international's third goal of the campaign settled the Villa Park clash and gave the midlands club revenge for a 6-0 mauling by the Magpies in August. It also moved Villa five points clear of the bottom three as they survived a late rally in which Brad Friedel made two fine saves to deny Peter Lovenkrands an equaliser.
Houllier said: "I think we deserved it. We showed desire, commitment and fighting, battling qualities, which are a must in this sort of situation."
He added: "Maybe we weren't enough relaxed at times but I think that's down to the pressure.
"When you have pressure, the team fighting spirit plays a big part.
"You can't have egos or someone who has lost the plot. The team performance comes above everything else.
"I thought they all worked for each other. There's a distinction to make between working together and working for each other.
"The effort of everyone today was fantastic."
Collins and his centre-back partner Richard Dunne were fined for their behaviour towards members of the coaching staff at a recent team bonding session. But the duo showed they are integral members of the Villa team.
Houllier said: "This incident is past, over, finished. I am experienced enough to put that to one side and they did the same. Their commitment in training was revealing, that they want this club to go forward."
Source: PA
Source: PA