Everton manager Roberto Martinez was thrilled with his players after they produced a 3-1 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
An own-goal from David Stockdale gave the Toffees the lead early in the second half before Ashkan Dejagah replied for the home side in the 71st minute.
Two late goals from substitutes Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas eventually gave Everton the win that now has them sitting four points off a Champions League spot while delighting their boss in the process.
"It was vital. I do believe that these are the games that allow you to achieve aims or not," he told Sky Sports regarding the significance of the victory.
"They are not the games with the glamorous opposition at home, but they are the type of games that, for one reason or another, can see the opposition stop you from being yourself and you can't be bright enough to use what you normally use and you drop points in moments like today.
"Then you need to understand that this is the stage of the season against a team that is fighting against relegation, I know it from my own experience that it can be quite difficult.
"So for us to be able to get five straight wins I think reflects the character and the work that these players have been putting in on a daily basis and I couldn't be prouder of them."
