Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was beaming after victory over Wigan Athletic.
O'Neill labelled a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Wigan more impressive than their weekend win against Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Craig Gardner gave the visitors the lead with a stunning free-kick right at the end of the first half before James McClean netted his first Sunderland goal.
Hugo Rodallega pulled one back for Wigan but their hopes were quickly extinguished by a Stephane Sessegnon strike and David Vaughan added a fourth late on.
"We've had a day less to prepare (than Wigan). I accept the fact the adrenaline's still flying with us but to come here and win today was a fantastic performance. I just don't know where they got the energy and will to keep going from."O'Neill said: "I thought it was the best result since I arrived. Manchester City was a great win for us, to score in the last minute, it seemed as if we'd played three games, particularly in the last 20 minutes of the game.
