Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was happy to come away with three points against Ipswich despite his players not being at their best.
Second goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter gave the Seagulls a 2-0 win at Portman Road.
It has extended the South Coast side's unbeaten run to six games, despite the number of draws in the head coach's favour.
But this victory is one he will surely save.
After the match, he said: “It wasn't our best performance but in the end we controlled the game and settled down without possession.
“We deserved to win because we created more chances in the second half. I am happy.
“We've been through this period and this win should give us confidence and self-belief. Now we have to prepare for the next challenge.
FT: Back to winning ways. #PL! 🙌
(0-2) 📲 #IPSBHA // #BHAFC 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/mFgrI0QAhk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16 2025
“In the first half, we tried to push too hard. Our position was not correct.
“We changed some things. In the second half, they were more aggressive and pressed, but we were more dominant and created more chances. That's why I think we deserve it.
“It's very difficult to win in this league because every victory in the Premier League means a lot to me. We have seen that in recent weeks.
“We had good performances, sometimes even better than today, but in the end the result is the most important thing. We are happy, but we only have a short time to be happy. We have to focus on what comes next.”
Hurzeler was so impressed with Rutter that he transferred to his team this season.
He said: “I like his attitude and how he is always positive. He always had a smile on his face. He really enjoys being on the field and playing with the kids.
“He has a lot of important experience in the Championship. He's a good decision maker and I'm very happy he's here. But he knows there is much to improve.
“We're trying to give him an environment where he can improve every day.”
At the same time, Kieran McKenna accused his Ipswich players of losing belief towards the end of the game.
Defeated at Portman Road.#IPSBHA | @Nustone_UK pic.twitter.com/9Q1TbPYzOA
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) January 16 2025
The Tractor Boys held on for the first hour but collapsed after conceding the first goal.
McKenna said: “It was a real game until the first goal. In the first 60 minutes we were the more threatening side, had the better chances and were in better positions, but the first goal was poor and the game got away from us.
“I lost my self-confidence in the field, They put in better subs and pushed and were the better side in the final 30 minutes.
“We didn't defend well enough to stop the goal and we have to find a better response, but we just couldn't do that today.”