Mohamed Diame paid tribute to an outstanding team performance after playing a pivotal part in West Ham United's convincing 3-0 Barclays Premier League home win over Fulham.
Restored to the starting line-up, Diame repaid Sam Allardyce's faith with the all-important first goal, breaking the deadlock just 72 seconds into the second half.
The powerful midfielder robbed Steve Sidwell, before surging toward goal. And while his strike took a sizeable deflection off Fernando Amorebieta, it was the least his endeavour deserved.
Reflecting on a job well done, Diame reckons the three points were just reward for an excellent collective effort.
He told West Ham TV: "I really enjoyed it, I think all the team enjoyed it. We're back again to working hard together, defending and attacking as a unit. This is pay-back, when you work hard as a team like this, you have to win.
"I had a lot of chances to score a goal, but [recently] I've been missing those chances. On Saturday, I had that little bit of luck, so I'm happy about that.
"I work hard to chase the ball and I put the pressure on the midfield, so I won the ball back and just ran. I saw Modibo [Maiga] on the left but I took my chance and I had the good fortune that a Fulham player touched the ball and the 'keeper didn't see it. We'll just keep going and work hard for the next game."
Impressed with the Hammers' resilience to come storming back after last weekend's disappointment, Diame hopes victory over Fulham will prove a turning point in a thus far turbulent campaign.
"When you've lost at home, like here against Chelsea 3-0 and you go straight back to win 3-0, always you have the confidence to play the next game," Diame explained. "We have just three days until we play against Crystal Palace and we need to make sure we take the three points there.
"I hope it can [kick-start the season]. We need to improve and keep working like this until the end of the season. Fulham and Crystal Palace are both towards the bottom like us, so we need to take the three points on Tuesday too."
As for his own form, Diame was thrilled to make a first Premier League start since the goalless draw at Swansea City and will be doing all that he can to remain in the starting XI.
He added: "It was an important game for me on Saturday, because I've started the last three games on the bench, so it was important for me to show the gaffer that I'm important to this team. And I will keep going, keep working to make sure I keep my place."