Everton manager Roberto Martinez hailed the Toffees' 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers as the "most satisfying" victory of his tenure at the club.
Aaron Lennon's 77th-minute winner moves Everton nine points clear of the relegation zone after QPR's Eduardo Vargas had earlier cancelled out Seamus Coleman's first-half strike.
Martinez's side climb to 13th in the table, having bounced back from a disappointing 5-2 Europa League defeat to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday.
"It's probably the most satisfying win I've had since I arrived at Everton," Martinez said. "The amount of emotion we shared on Thursday and we got back very late -- we've found it very difficult this season after Europe.
"We are adapting towards being a team that can cope with being in Europe.
"Coping with the goal threat that QPR are going to throw at you takes a lot of character and guts. It wasn't a day for a technical performance on the ball, it was about being a strong group and showing we have a strong will.
"It was a very important three points today so the satisfaction was immense."
Lennon's decisive strike 13 minutes from time was his first goal for Everton since joining the club on loan from Tottenham in January.
Martinez was reluctant to discuss the possibility of making Lennon's stay permanent but admits he has been delighted with the winger's contribution.
"It's too early to say at the moment [whether we will sign him permanently]," Martinez said. "Since he's arrived he's wanted to contribute and be a big part of the team.
"His performance against Newcastle was his best performance since he arrived. He came to Kiev, he shared the emotions we all had and that showed today.
"He had a real will. He wanted to show he had fresh legs and I thought that was his best performance by far for Everton, not just in scoring the goal but in the manner he worked for the team.
"He looks like someone who has been with the group for a long, long time."