Brighton will be looking for revenge when Manchester United arrive for a Premier League clash on Thursday.
The Seagulls recently held United to a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes of FA Cup action but the Red Devils advanced to the final after a shootout win.
“We have to keep going, from game to game, but I think this is a brilliant week for us.”
United defeated Brighton 7-6 in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup semifinals last Sunday and then played Tottenham to a 2-2 league draw, but Ten Hag was critical of his side after that game for giving up a two-goal lead.
He was pleased with their response against Villa.
“When you are in a semifinal in a tough game against a good opponent we have seen in the week, we played a very good game to get through to the final,” the Dutchman said.
“And then Tottenham, we played the first half very well. And today we played two halves, I think an impressive game. So big credits to the team.”
Bruno Fernandes scored Sunday’s lone goal – and the 100th league goal of his career – six minutes before halftime. Against Brighton a week earlier, he picked up what looked to be a significant ankle injury that had made him a doubt against Tottenham.
But the 28-year-old Portugal international did not sit out, and when asked what that says about his resilience, Ten Hag said “A lot.”
“I emphasised it on Thursday in London, he’s so tough,” Ten Hag said. “A couple of weeks ago, (some) were questioning about his captaincy. It’s crazy, because he’s such a big leader, by example. He gives so much energy to the team besides his smartness, but also his determination, his passion and his resilience.
“And so yeah, I think we as a team are so happy. We need such players if you want to win games, if you want to win trophies.”
Brighton start full of spirit after a 6-0 hammering of Wolves. And they did it with a bunch of stars on the bench.
Roberto De Zerbi started star players Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Kaoru Mitoma on the bench for the win.
The Italian manager said: “I am looking forward to working on Tuesday with the players and to decide the first XI. It will be a problem, I think I will not sleep, but it is not a problem.”
The home team are just two points behind Spurs in sixth but have three games in hand.