Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert was relieved after victory over Hull City.
A first win in seven matches was delivered by Ashley Westwood's opener inside the first minute and a pair of headers from Andreas Weimann.
Pressure had been mounting by the week and Lambert was pleased to see the response he wanted both on and off the field.
"The crowd was excellent," he said.
"I think people were probably thinking there would be some animosity towards myself - and if that happens you've got to accept it - but the start we got put everybody in a good frame of mind.
"This game was huge. I've been involved in some massive games before, but the pressure on this one was incredible.
"They came through it and if they came though that they can come through everything in their careers.
"I thought they were outstanding and we deserved to win."