Tomáš Souček was delighted that West Ham United managed to overcome a tough challenge from Southampton to secure a festive three points on Boxing Day.
The Irons headed to the bottom-of-the-table Saints unbeaten in three outings, and they made it four thanks to Jarrod Bowen's goal on the hour.
Souček was involved in the match-winning strike, heading back across goal for Niclas Füllkrug to flick-on and the captain to apply the decisive touch.
Despite their standing Southampton, now under the management of Croat Ivan Jurić, pushed the Hammers all the way and the No28 was thrilled to come out the other side of the test with the fullest reward.
"It's a great feeling," he beamed. "I'm so happy that we got these three points, because we really needed that [to help us in the table].
"It will be not easy for anyone here, even if they don't have that many points. They are a really tough opponent - they could have scored against us as well, so we are happy that we got our fans a good Christmas gift."
The Irons had to overcome the first-half losses of Maximilian Kilman and Łukasz Fabiański to injury at St Mary's Stadium - while Carlos Soler was also forced to leave the action early too.
Souček was happy to report Fabiański was in good spirits at full-time after having to be stretchered off due to a blow to the head, and he was also pleased with the team's mental fortitude in putting those setbacks to one side.
"I saw Łukasz straight away at half-time, and I saw him again after the game, and he's good," he confirmed.
"It's always difficult [to adapt], especially with the goalkeeper, because it's quite a big change, but I think Alphonse [Areola] took it very well straight away.
"He helped us, and at half-time Carlos came off as well, but I'm happy that we fought those tough moments and got three points."
In a game as closely-contested as this one, the first goal was always going to prove vital, so Souček was delighted to have played his part in it.
Howver, his booking means he will now miss the next fixture - at home to Liverpool - as he serves a suspension for collecing his fifth yellow card of the season.
The Czech remains confident, however, that his side can maintain their positive form.
"It was a perfect action for the goal and I'm happy that I was involved in it as well," he added. "I headed back to the middle, [Niclas flicked on] and Jarrod scored an important goal.
"It's always the first goal that means a lot, and when we keep clinging to that, it's another win.
"I said four games ago that we will do our maximum to be unbeaten after the New Year, and now it's only Liverpool left, so I hope that we do it.
"But it's a shame for me I can't play that game because of my yellow card."
