Jarrod Bowen hailed West Ham United's work ethic after they held off Aston Villa to register their third straight Premier League win on Monday night.
The Hammers were forced onto the back foot for spells by the visitors, but claimed all three points thanks to headed goals by Bowen and Angelo Ogbonna, some sturdy defensive work and a touch of good fortune too.
West Ham were grateful to see Ollie Watkins' hit the crossbar with a 73rd minute penalty, while the same player had an injury time goal ruled out for offside by VAR.
Bowen was thrilled to claim the points, which saw his team move up to fifth in the Premier League table, as his team's graft on the training pitch yielded its reward.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game - we're both in form, both started the season strongly and we needed the three points," Bowen explained.
"We got them, however it game. We dug in, got a stroke of luck which we probably needed, and then dug right in to the last whistle for the three points.
"It was a horrible wait for the goal to be disallowed at the end, especially when you're looking on the little screens with the lines and all that.
"Thankfully it got disallowed and we managed to hang on for the three points.
Tonight is the big reward for all of us - the coaching staff and the lads - for the work we've put in and the ability we know we've got. Long may the good form continue
Jarrod Bowen
"Like I said before the game we have to show respect to them because they have players with good ability who can cause us problems.
"We didn't have as much of the ball as we'd have liked second half, but we defended really well and got the three points."
Bowen netted the decisive goal just seconds after the second half got underway, timing his run perfectly to meet Said Benrahma's cross with a deft touch.
Benrahma had only just come off the bench and Bowen was happy to link up so effectively with the Algerian.
He added: "The subs have had an impact for us this season - Manu scored at Tottenham, Said had the assist against Fulham and another assist today. Seb held the ball up well for us too, and me and Said actually spoke when we walked out.
"He said: 'When I come inside, I'm going to cross it so get on it'. I did that, off the shoulder or whatever it was and thankfully it went in.
"It's early days and we don't want to get carried away. We can only play our game week in, week out. We've been doing that against difficult opposition and tonight is the big reward for all of us - the coaching staff and the lads - for the work we've put in and the ability we know we've got.
"Long may the good form continue."