Unai Emery was pleased to end a run of three consecutive home matches on a winning note after his side rose to see off Chelsea in the Premier League.
Draws against Ipswich Town and Liverpool had left Aston Villa in need of all three points to add fuel to their push up the table.
And despite falling behind early on, that objective was achieved thanks to a brace from Marco Asensio, including an 89th-minute winner that sent the stadium wild.
“It was fantastic for the supporters in Villa Park,” Emery reflected.
“We were, in the last two matches and even before against West Ham, drawing. Drawing against Ipswich, drawing against West Ham, drawing against Liverpool, and more or less deserving more.
“We were very demanding inside to speak about how we can improve and how we can get better, being close to winning in the level we want.
“Chelsea was a very good test today. We started very badly, not controlling the game, conceding one goal. We started not getting our duels, not getting our game plan, pressing them because they were breaking our press.
“Progressively we were feeling better and getting confidence during the match. In the second half, the energy they (the fans) transmitted to us and the players was fantastic, and as well intelligent playing, trying to keep ball possession longer to dominate and to stop them.
“We were thinking maybe we could be tired after we played on Wednesday. The players that were tired or with some pain like Morgan, like Tyrone Mings, we subbed them with players who helped a lot like Lamare Bogarde, Leon and Andrés.
“Marco, Marcus and Malen helped us a lot. This is the way we will need.”
Victory against a fellow contender for European football was most welcome in B6, and it came on the back of a performance that was full of heart, desire and, ultimately, quality.
Emery is now hoping to see his side push on in their upcoming matches as they continue to fight on three fronts.
He said: “Today these three points are very important for Premier League, very important for us here in Villa Park.
“We have to try to create here a strong atmosphere with full, positive energy with everybody.
“Now we’re going to play on Tuesday away and then come back here again playing against Cardiff on Friday, and then Champions League.
“We have a very exciting way this year. Hopefully, after the victory we did today and the players how they reacted and performed, we can keep going and improving.”